It took almost four decades, but the Virginia Cavaliers are finally back on top of the ACC. After finishing with the best record in the conference and claiming the regular season title, the No. 6 Cavs marched straight ahead to Greensboro Coliseum where they made it to today's finals against No. 7 Duke. The Blue Devils are no strangers to ACC Tournament finals, having won the championship on 24 occasions, but they weren't able to contain Virginia's deep roster as the Cavaliers rallied to a 72-63 win for their first title in 38 years. After ending the dry spell, things just keep looking up for Virginia, as they've now been selected for the much-desired number one seed of the NCAA tourney.
In the SEC finals, things went more according to expectations as No. 1 Florida finished off Kentucky in a close 61-60 win. The Gators won their 26th straight after holding off a momentum-fueled Wildcats comeback. Patric Young led the way for Florida with 14 points, 5 boards, and three blocks.
From Indian Wells, California, one of the biggest rivalries in tennis had yet another chapter written as Djokovic was able to put away Federer in the BNP Paribas Open finals 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3). It was the 33rd meeting between the two legends, and the Joker's win came close to evening up their overall record at 17-16 with Federer in the lead.
Surprisingly, there weren't the only major moments in the sports world yesterday, as Lionel Messi completed a milestone in Barcelona's blowout win over Osasuna. Messi contributed a hat trick as he surpassed Barcelona's previous record of 369 career goals with a total of 371.
Catch all the shoes worn for these huge match-ups, plus much more, after the break.
Riley Jones is a freelance writer from Charlottesville, VA and a contributor to Sneaker Report. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things ’90s, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.
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King James Does Light Work in the Zoom Soldier VII
Shoe: Nike Zoom Soldier VII
Player: LeBron James
Game: Miami vs. Houston
Key Stat: 24 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists
$80
Kevin Martin Steps up for T'Wolves in the Jordan Aero Mania Low
Shoe: Jordan Aero Mania Low
Player: Kevin Martin
Game: Minnesota vs. Sacramento
Key Stat: 31 points
Discontinued
Djokovic Ousts Federer in the Barricade 7
Shoe: adidas Barricade 7 PE
Player: Novak Djokovic
Game: BNP Paribas Open Finals vs. Roger Federer
Key Stat: 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3)
Xavian Rimmer Leads Louisiana-Lafayette to Sun Belt Title
Shoe: Nike Hyper Quickness
Player: Xavian Rimmer
Game: LA-Lafayette vs. Georgia State
Key Stat: 27 points
Ronald Roberts, Jr. Goes Hyper Quick for A 10 Title
Shoe: Nike Hyper Quickness
Player: Ronald Roberts, Jr.
Game: Saint Joseph's vs. VCU
Key Stat: 15 points, 11 rebounds
Patric Young Helps Florida Hang on to Close Win, Take SEC Title
Shoe: Nike Zoom Soldier VII
Player: Patric Young
Game: Florida vs. Kentucky
Key Stat: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
$80
Messi Reaches Milestone 371st Goal in the adidas F50
Shoe: adidas F50 Adizero TRX FG
Player: Lionel Messi
Game: Barcelona vs. Osasuna
Key Stat: Goals at 18', 63', and 88'
$198
Malcolm Brogdon Drops Career-High, Leads UVA to ACC Title
Shoe: Nike Kobe VII System
Player: Malcolm Brogdon
Game: Virginia vs. Duke
Key Stat: 23 points
Discontinued
Riley Jones is a freelance writer from Charlottesville, VA and a contributor to Sneaker Report. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things ’90s, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.
RELATED: The Shoes That Won Last Night: Russ Smith Drops 42, Leads Cardinals to Finals
RELATED: The Shoes That Won Last Night: Louisville Wins AAC Tournament