Gophers
![Christian Laettner was introduced to the young athletes. ] JIM GEHRZ • james.gehrz@startribune.com / Plymouth, MN / March 21, 2015 /9:00 AM &#x](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/CFAVKNNCPDUA6P52I43HNBYKCM.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Love him or hate him, Laettner's iconic shot never gets old
Still talked about, the Duke star's buzzer-beater sent his team to Minneapolis in 1992
Gophers
![Broadcasters Jim Gray and Bill Walton during the during the first half. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ ¥ carlos.gonzalez@startribune.com Texas Tech played Mic](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/VX55IEAHQS6GZVLFKRRIINFL5Q.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Freest of spirits, Walton finally free of pain, too
In the 1973 Final Four title game, Walton made 21 of 22 shots and scored 44 points to lead UCLA over Memphis State. But crippling injuries derailed his pro career.
Gophers
Who's gonna win? Souhan, Hartman and the Star Tribune staff predict ...
We've written and edited thousands of words about basketball in recent days. Time to put our "expertise" to the test.
Minneapolis
NCAA fans either jubilant or looking for a way out of Mpls.
Fans of Michigan State and Auburn were looking for ways to get out of town, while Virginia and Texas Tech fans celebrated. "Everything was great except for the game," said one Michigan State fan.
Local
What's happening: A guide to Monday's Final Four events in Minneapolis
And then there were two! Here's a roundup of the day's Final Four news and events for locals and visitors alike.
Gophers
Analysis and prediction: Texas Tech vs. Virginia for the national title
These two programs have never played each other. Here's a look at how this historic first meeting might play out in Monday's national championship.
Gophers
Texas Tech defensive stopper Owens could be limited in title game
Coach Chris Beard said Tariq Owens was "pretty sore" after spraining his ankle in the semifinals but that he expects him to play Monday.
Gophers
![Virginia Cavaliers forward Mamadi Diakite (25) reacted after his team beat Auburn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ ¥ carlos.gonzalez@startribune.com Auburn pla](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/PJAPX5OGNZ5XMR2ZUXIXEWD3CA.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Rafting trip helped seal Virginia Cavaliers' bond
Virginia's white-water rafting excursion this summer was one of many activities the Cavaliers shared together en route to the national championship game.
Gophers
Celebrity basketball event focuses on fun, with side order of hoops
Here are some takeaways from the afternoon.
Gophers
Skills of foreign players for Texas Tech, Virginia translate well
Texas Tech and Virginia players born outside of the U.S. overcome language contrasts to blend in.
Gophers
80 years of fabulous finishes to the NCAA basketball season
As entertaining as the past couple of weeks of this year's NCAA tournament have been, it will take a lot for Monday's national championship game to crack this list of the top 10 title games.
Local
Get to know the schools: Final Four has come down to Texas Tech and Virginia
Tradition runs deeper than on the floor for the two finalists, neither of which has ever won a men's basketball championship.
Minneapolis
Final Four makes Minneapolis center of the sports world
Fans from across the country go big for the big event as the action at U.S. Bank Stadium takes over.
Gophers
Mooney, Texas Tech outshoot Michigan State to reach first NCAA final
Matt Mooney, a graduate transfer from South Dakota, lifted the Red Raiders into Monday's NCAA title game.
Gophers
Five thoughts on the Final Four national semifinals
Marcus Fuller weighs in with his takeaways from Saturday night's two games at U.S. Bank Stadium
Gophers
![Texas Tech guard Matt Mooney (13) shot against Michigan State guard Cassius Winston (5) during the first half. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ ¥ carlos.gonzale](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BZD5CZ2IOBU3SM3EZYOCTZMOPQ.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Souhan: Distractions? Mooney had none in a big game at big arena
Matt Mooney, a veteran of the multiuse DakotaDome while with South Dakota, wasn't intimidated by the cavernous U.S. Bank Stadium
Sports
Scoggins: Virginia had the right Guy for the job at the end
Kyle Guy was Virginia's hero in every sense of the word Saturday night. His moment came a year after the opposite end of the emotion spectrum.
Gophers
Izzo defends Big Ten after another Final Four chance slips away
It's now 19 years and counting since a Big Ten team won an NCAA men's basketball title. Tom Izzo's Michigan State team last won one in 2000.
Gophers
Red-eyed Tiger players offer no excuses after controversial finish
Controversial call goes against Auburn but assistant coach says, 'It didn't come down to one play'
Gophers
Texas Tech proved even tougher than Spartans expected
The Red Raiders held the Spartans to 31.9 percent shooting overall.
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