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Cavaliers Keep it Close Against No. 19 Arkansas
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November 21, 1998
By T.A. BADGER
Associated Press Writer
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) – The Arkansas Razorbacks overcame their owndefensive problems to overcome Virginia in the Top of the World Classic.
The 19th-ranked Razorbacks (3-0) used a three-point barrage from Pat Bradleyand Kareem Reid to build a seven-point lead, and then hung on for an 85-83 winFriday night.
While Arkansas won, coach Nolan Richardson wasn’t happy with his team’sdefense, a sentiment echoed by one of his star players.
“We weren’t playing smart defense at all,” said Bradley. “We reallyweren’t mentally into it.”
Meanwhile, Virginia coach Pete Gillen saw good things from the Cavaliersdespite the loss, particularly on defense.
“We had to turn the pressure on and off because of our lack of depth,” hesaid. “(Arkansas has) spectacular talent – our guys hung on them.”
Chris Jefferies scored 16 and Derek Hood added 15 to lead Arkansas, whilefour of their teammates finished in double figures. Among them was freshmanSergerio Gipson, who came off the bench to score 13.
As a team the Razorbacks shot 60 percent from the floor, with Jefferies,Hood and Jason Jennings combining to shoot 17 for 19. Behind the three-pointline, Arkansas was 8 for 14.
Virginia’s Chezley Watson, who went 5-for-6 behind the three-point line, ledall scorers with 21, while freshman Adam Hall added 19 and Donald Hand had 17.
The Cavaliers (1-1) were ahead by as much as 10 points early in the game.Their pressure defense all over the court rattled Arkansas, and produced sevensteals and a dozen turnovers.
A 7-0 run gave the Razorbacks their first lead of the game at 37-36 withthree minutes left in the half. But Virginia outscored Arkansas down thestretch to take a 46-43 lead to the locker room.
Watson led all scorers at the break with 13, while Gipson had 10 for theRazorbacks.