Cavs Trounce Friars In Puerto Rico
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Nov. 26, 1999
BAYAMON, Puerto Rico (AP) – It wasn’t the kind of game Virginia coach PeteGillen wanted, but he’ll take the Cavaliers’ 80-64 victory Friday over his oldteam, Providence.
Gillen called the game a “lose, lose” situation, saying he feltuncomfortable going against the team he led two seasons ago. Virginia’s DonaldHand, with 26 points, made sure the coach didn’t sustain a second straight lossat the Puerto Rico Shootout.
The Cavaliers (3-1) advanced to Saturday’s fifth-place game against ArizonaState or American University at Puerto Rico. Providence (1-3) will play forseventh place against the Sun Devils or Pirates.
Hand was at Virginia when Gillen replaced Jeff Jones in 1997 and likelywon’t be around when the coach fully restores a program that went 14-16 a yearago.
But he was there to help the Cavaliers break open a tight game, scoring 11of his 14 first-half points in the final three minutes.
His two straight 3-pointers gave Virginia a 37-30 lead at halftime. Handkept it up in the second half with a tip-in, two free throws and a three-pointplay as the lead grew to 66-47.
The Friars never got closer than 12 points the rest of the way.
Travis Watson added 15 points, all in the second half, and 14 rebounds forVirginia.
Erron Maxey, Providence’s leading scorer, had 14 points, but shot only 3 of14.
Gillen shook hands and spoke to his former players afterward. He huggedinjured Friars point guard, John Linehan, one of four members Gillen recruited.
The Friars and Cavaliers combined for 25 turnovers in the first half.
But Hand’s two long-range baskets, both after Providence turnovers, gotVirginia going.
Providence coach Tim Welsh continually beefed at the officials, angrilyarguing some decisions. The Friars were called for 13 fouls in the first half,Virginia only seven.
Welsh was so frustrated at one second-half foul call that led to a Watson3-point play for Virginia, he kicked over a large plastic trash can filled withice and water cups.
Still another time, Welsh yelled, “That’s a hold, that’s a foul, that’s afoul,” as Providence’s David Murray backed in on Watson.
By PETE IACOBELLI
AP Sports Writer