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Feb. 8, 2000
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia is currently 15-7 overall and 5-4 in the ACC. The Cavaliers arecoming off a 106-86 loss to third-ranked Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium(Feb. 5). Prior to falling to Duke, Virginia lost to 25th-ranked Maryland91-79 at Cole Field House (Feb. 2).Georgia Tech stands at 10-11 overall and 2-6 in the ACC after an 89-57victory over Florida A&M at Alexander Memorial Coliseum (Feb. 5). The winsnapped the Yellow Jackets’ four-game losing streak.
Television:
Tonight’s game against Georgia Tech is not scheduled to betelevised.
Radio:
All UVa games are heard on the Virginia Sports Network originatingat WINA/WQMZ in Charlottesville. Mac McDonald calls the play by play. JimHobgood provides the analysis.
The Series vs. Georgia Tech
Each team has had a stretch of dominating the series, which GeorgiaTech now leads 26-25. The Cavaliers held the lead until the Yellow Jacketspassed Virginia by winning 16 of the last 22 meetings. The Cavalierssnapped a five-game losing streak to Georgia Tech with an 83-65 victory atUniversity Hall earlier this season (Jan. 8). Georgia Tech won bothmeetings last season, 77-65 in Charlottesville (Jan. 23), and 74-68 inovertime in Atlanta (Feb. 25). Prior to losing the overtime decision lastseason, Virginia had won the last three overtime contests against theYellow Jackets.
The Jackets hold a 16-6 advantage in games played in Atlanta in theseries and have won eight of the last nine in the Peachtree city.Virginia’s 83-60 win in Atlanta in 1995 was the Cavaliers’ most recentvictory on the Yellow Jackets’ home court. The 23-point margin of victoryis Virginia’s largest in the series since a 91-59 win in 1984 inCharlottesville.
The Cavaliers opened the series with Georgia Tech by winning 10 ofthe first 13 games, including eight straight from 1981-1983.
These Games are Barn Burners
Even though nine of the last 11 meetings between these two teamshave been decided by at least nine points, people shouldn’t be surprised ifthis one goes down to the wire.
Of the 38 games since the 1983-84 season, only 13 have been decidedby 10 or more points. Sixteen of the games have been decided by a margin offour points or less with UVa winning nine of them. The Cavaliers have wonall three games (1987, 1990 twice) decided by two points. Five games havegone into overtime, including a triple overtime affair (1984) and a doubleovertime game (1995).
From 1985 to 1990 the teams played 15 consecutive games that weredecided by fewer than 10 points with Virginia winning eight of those games.
A breakdown of the close games in the series since the 1983-84season is below:
| 1 point – 3 | 4 points – 4 | 7 points – 4 |
| 2 points – 3 | 5 points – 1 | 8 points – 1 |
| 3 points – 6 | 6 points – 1 | 9 points – 2 |
1,000 Career Points
Junior guard Donald Hand became the 33rd Virginia men’s basketballplayer to reach the 1,000-point milestone when he scored 27 points againstDuke (Feb. 5). He entered the game with 982 points and scored his 1,000thcareer point on a jumper with 11:21 to play in the second half. Handcurrently has scored 1,009 career points.
Prior to Hand, the last UVa player to score 1000 career points wasNorman Nolan and he accomplished the feat in the 1997-98 season. Jackets Shoot as Well as Any vs. UVa
The Yellow Jackets shot better than 55 percent from the fieldagainst Virginia three times in the 1990s, while the other seven ACCschools did that a combined seven times. This season, ACC schools haveshot better than 55 percent three times against UVa.
Georgia Tech has put together three of the top 12 shootingperformances by an ACC team against Virginia since the 1989-1990 season.Here’s the list of the top 12 ACC shooting performances against UVa since1990:
| 1. | Duke | 1999-00 | .609 (39-64) | |
| 2. | Duke | 1998-99 | .605 (46-76) | |
| 3. | Duke | 1998-99 | .587 (37-63) | |
| 4. | North Carolina | 1999-00 | .586 (34-58) | |
| 5. | North Carolina | 1989-90 | .583 (35-60) | |
| 6t. | Clemson | 1989-90 | .580 (29-50) | |
| 6t. | NC State | 1998-99 | .580 (29-50) | |
| 8t. | Georgia Tech | 1997-98 | .569 (29-51) | |
| 8t. | Georgia Tech | 1998-99 | .569 (29-51) | |
| 8t. | Maryland | 1999-00 | .569 (29-51) | |
| 11t. | Maryland | 1989-90 | .566 (30-53) | |
| 11t. | Georgia Tech | 1997-98 | .566 (30-53) |
In last season’s 74-68 overtime loss in Atlanta (Feb. 25), UVasnapped a streak of three consecutive games in which Georgia Tech shotbetter than 50 percent against the Cavaliers. (The Jackets shot 34.5percent, 20-58). Georgia Tech shot 56.9 percent against the Cavalierstwice (Jan. 15, 1998 and Jan. 23, 1999). Sandwiched between those twooutings was a 51.4 percent outing (Feb. 14, 1998).
Duke is the only other ACC team to shoot 50 percent in threeconsecutive games against the Cavaliers since the 1989-90 season. The BlueDevils extended their streak of 50 percent shooting games to five with a60.9 percent (39-64) performance in a 106-86 win over UVa last Saturday(Feb. 5).
During the 1990s, the Cavaliers held the opposition to a composite41.8 percent field goal shooting, while allowing the opposition to score anaverage of 68.0 points per game.
But Georgia Tech defied the numbers, shooting 45.4 percent andaveraging 74.6 points per game in 23 games against the Cavaliers in the1990s.
In Georgia Tech’s last 16 wins over Virginia dating back to thechampionship game of the 1990 ACC Tournament, the Yellow Jackets areshooting 47.8 percent from the field, while averaging 76.1 points.
That is a contrast to Georgia Tech’s performance when Virginiawins. In Virginia’s eight wins over Georgia Tech dating back to thebeginning of the 1990s, the Yellow Jackets have shot 40.5 percent from thefloor and scored an average of 70.4 points.
In Virginia’s last eight wins against Georgia Tech, the YellowJackets have not shot better than 42.6 percent from the field (29 of 68 inthe 1994-95 season).
Earlier This Season vs. Georgia Tech
The Cavaliers used a 21-2 run to start the second half to turn aone-point halftime deficit into an 18-point lead en route to an 83-65victory over Georgia Tech on January 8 at University Hall.
Junior guard Donald Hand buried three three-pointers during thesecond half surge and finished the game with a then season-high 27 points.He made five of eight three-point attempts and added seven rebounds andfour assists. Sophomore forward Chris Williams and freshman guard RogerMason added 14 points apiece, while sophomore guard Adam Hall rounded outUVa’s double figure scorers with 11 points. Williams added five assists,four rebounds and two steals in the win. Mason continued his torridshooting by making all three of his three-point field goal attempts for thesecond consecutive game. He was also a perfect five for five from the freethrow line.
A three-pointer by Mason with 44.8 seconds left in the first halftrimmed Virginia’s halftime deficit to one, 37-36. The Cavaliers took thelead for good with 18:29 to play when freshman forward/center Travis Watsongrabbed an offensive rebound and converted a short jumper. Three freethrows by Mason and a three-pointer by Hand gave UVa a 44-37 advantage with16:57 to play.
Forwards Jason Floyd and Jason Collier led the Yellow Jackets with21 points apiece.
Cavaliers Surpass Victory Total From Last Season
With its 76-67 victory over Wake Forest (Jan. 30), Virginiasurpassed its number of overall and Atlantic Coast Conference wins fromlast season. The Cavaliers were 14-16 overall and 4-12 in the ACC in the1998-99 season. UVa is currently 15-7 overall and 5-4 in the ACC this year.
Tough Stretch
Tonight’s game against Georgia Tech concludes a tough stretch inwhich the Cavaliers played four consecutive ACC road games. It marks thefirst time since the 1996-97 season that an ACC team has played fourconsecutive road games. Maryland was the last team to play four straightconference road games and it went 1-3 in that stretch during the 1996-97season.
The Cavaliers got off to a great start in their four-game roadstretch with a 76-67 victory at Wake Forest (Jan. 30). Virginia droppedits next two games to nationally-ranked teams. The Cavaliers fell to25th-ranked Maryland (Feb. 2) 91-79, a loss that ended a five-game Virginiawinning streak. In its last outing, UVa lost to third-ranked Duke 106-86(Feb. 5).
The Cavaliers conclude the 1999-2000 regular season by playing fourof six games at home in the friendly confines of University Hall where theyare 8-1 this year.
Two Five-game Winning Streaks
Twice this season the Cavaliers have posted five-game winningstreaks. Virginia’s most recent winning streak was snapped with a 91-79loss at Maryland (Feb. 2), while Duke halted the first five-game winningstreak with a 109-100 overtime win at University Hall (Jan. 5).
The five-game winning streaks are the Cavaliers’ longest sincewinning seven consecutive games in the middle of the 1994-95 season.
UVa has won 11 of its last 15 games.Best Start Since 1992-93
Prior to its loss at 25th-ranked Maryland (Feb. 2), Virginia was15-5 which equalled its best start since the 1992-93 season when it wasalso 15-5 after 20 games. The 1992-93 team did not suffer its sixth lossuntil the 22nd game of the season.
Four Consecutive ACC Wins
The Cavaliers also had their four-game ACC winning streak stoppedwith the loss to Maryland (Feb. 2). It marked Virginia’s first four-gameconference winning streak since the 1994-95 season when the Cavaliersposted six consecutive wins. The six straight wins came over: FloridaState (76-63 OT), N.C. State (65-55), Clemson (62-44), Duke (64-58), NorthCarolina (73-71), and Georgia Tech (83-60).
Back-to-Back Road Wins
In addition to their five-game overall winning streak and four-gameACC winning streak, the Cavaliers had their two-game road conferencewinning streak snapped by Maryland on February 2.
With its wins over Clemson (Jan. 15) and Wake Forest (Jan. 30),Virginia had won back-to-back ACC road games for the first time since the1995-96 season. In the 1995-96 campaign, the Cavaliers posted consecutiveroad wins over Florida State (64-59) and N.C. State (84-82 2 OT).
300 Wins
Virginia head coach Pete Gillen won the 300th game of his careerwhen Virginia defeated then 21st-ranked North Carolina 87-85 on January 18at University Hall. Gillen entered the 1999-2000 season 24th on thewinningest active coaches list. He is in his 15th season as a collegiatehead coach and sports a 303-151 record for a .667 winning percentage.Gillen is in his second year as head coach at Virginia. His two Virginiateams have compiled an overall record of 29-23.
Gillen has led his teams to postseason play 11 times (eight NCAA,three NIT). He has been selected as the conference Coach of the Year fivetimes – all while coaching Xavier (Midwestern Collegiate Conference).
He successfully began his coaching career at Virginia with an 86-70win over Virginia Commonwealth on November 13, 1998.
Struggling on the Boards
The Cavaliers have improved their rebounding significantly fromlast year, but are still being out-rebounded by their opponents in the1999-2000 season.
In the 1998-99 season, Virginia was out-rebounded 40.0 to 33.1 inall games and 41.5 to 31.1 in ACC contests. This season, the Cavaliershave closed the gap quite a bit, but are still being out-rebounded by theopposition. In all games, UVa is being out-rebounded 37.6 to 36.1, butthat margin has grown to 39.6 to 32.6 in ACC contests.
Virginia has out-rebounded its opponent in nine of 22 games thisseason, and only once in the past seven outings (Virginia Tech, 34-33). Innine ACC games, the Cavaliers have held a rebounding edge only twice,against Duke (Jan. 5, 46-44) and N.C. State (36-30). In the seven ACCgames Virginia has been out-rebounded, the Cavaliers are 5-2. Overall, UVais 8-5 when it is out-rebounded this season.
Scoring Off the Bench
Much of Virginia’s improvement in the 1999-2000 season over lastyear can be attributable to being able to substitute scholarship playersoff the bench.
Last season, UVa averaged 12.4 points of bench scoring per gamecompared to 27.7 points this season. Last year, Virginia received 373points from the bench in 30 games and in 22 games this year, the Cavaliershave scored 610 points off the bench.
In the 1999-2000 season, Virginia’s bench has outscored itsopponents 610-355 or 27.7 ppg. to 16.1 ppg. UVa’s bench accounts for 33.5percent of the Cavaliers’ offense, while opponent benches contribute 21.9percent of the points.
In nine ACC games this season, Virginia’s bench has outscored theopposition 224-128 or 24.9 ppg. to 14.2 ppg. The Cavalier bench isresponsible for 29.6 percent of the offense as opposed to 16.8 percent byopponents. In its first ACC win, Virginia’s bench outscored Georgia Tech’s22-3. Another great example of the importance of UVa’s bench is that inits 98-91 win over Clemson (Jan. 15), the Cavaliers’ final 14 points of thefirst half were scored by players off the bench. The bench turned a 36-27lead with 5:54 to play into a 50-32 halftime advantage. For the game,Virginia’s bench outscored Clemson’s 35-9.
UVa has scored at least 20 points off the bench in all but fourgames. Virginia scored 15 points against Duke (Feb. 5). Against both St.John’s (Dec. 4) and Richmond (Dec. 21) the Cavalier bench scored 16 points.UVa received 17 bench points against N.C. State (Jan. 12). The high watermark for bench scoring in 1999-2000 is 47 points against Elon (Nov. 19).
Only twice has the UVa bench been outscored by an opponent’s thisseason. Richmond’s (Dec. 21) bench outscored UVa’s bench 22-16, and WakeForest (Jan. 30) outscored the Cavaliers 23-22 in bench scoring.
In addition, the Cavaliers have had 22 double digit performancesoff the bench this season. Virginia has had at least one player score indouble figures off the bench in 18 of 22 games this season. On threeoccasions, UVa has had at least two players in double figures off thebench, including a season-best three players with 10 or more points againstElon (Nov. 19) in the season opener.
Taking Care of the Basketball
In its last six ACC games (4-2 record), Virginia has turned theball over 83 times (13.8 per game), including a season-low tying seventurnovers in a 98-91 win at Clemson (Jan. 15). The Cavaliers had seventurnovers at Minnesota (Nov. 30). Virginia is averaging 14.0 turnoversper game in ACC play, while its opponents are averaging 18.9 per game.
Lucky 13
The Cavaliers set a season high by making 13 three-point fieldgoals in 23 attempts in their 83-65 victory over Georgia Tech (Jan. 8).UVa’s percentage of three-pointers made (56.5 percent) is also a seasonhigh. The 13 threes ties for the sixth most ever made in a game by theCavaliers. Virginia also made 13 three-pointers against Elon (11/28/98)and Loyola (12/30/98).
The 13 of 23 three-point performance by Virginia is its highestpercentage of three-pointers made in a game when attempting at least 20three-point field goals. UVa has attempted 20 or more three-pointers in agame 104 times over the years.
The Virginia school record for threes in a game is 15, accomplishedagainst North Carolina (2/14/90) and Hampton (11/25/98).
UVa made 12 three-point field goals against Clemson (Jan. 15).Twice this season the Cavaliers made 11 threes in a game. UVa made 11three-pointers against Loyola (Dec. 8) and Belmont (Dec. 28).
10-3 vs. Non-Conference Teams
With its 71-66 overtime win over Virginia Tech (Jan. 24), Virginiaconcluded regular season non-conference play with a 10-3 record. TheCavaliers won their last six non-conference games this season. UVa wasalso 4-0 vs. in-state opponents and stretched its winning streak to10-consecutive games against in-state schools. UVa’s most recent in-stateloss was a 69-64 setback to Liberty in U-Hall in the 1997-98 season.In their 10 non-conference wins, the Cavaliers were able to get out andrun, putting on some very impressive offensive performances. In the 10wins, UVa averaged 86.8 points per game and shot 50.4 percent from thefield (309-613). Virginia also out-rebounded its opponents by nearly fiverebounds per game (40.0-35.2). In the three non-conference losses,Virginia averaged only 65.3 points per game. The Cavaliers shot only 42.0percent (71-169) from the field in the three losses. UVa was alsoout-rebounded by an average of six per game (40-34) in those three games.
School Record for Three-pointers Attempted
Virginia set a school record when it attempted 38 three-point fieldgoals against Clemson (Jan. 15). The Cavaliers were successful on 12 oftheir 38 threes against the Tigers. The former mark was 32 threes againstNorth Carolina on two occasions (February 14, 1990 and March 7, 1997).
Watson Adds Name to Record Book
With 16 rebounds against Duke (Jan. 5), freshman Travis Watson seta Virginia record for the most rebounds by a freshman in an ACC debut. Therebounding performance was also the best by a UVa freshman since RalphSampson set the single game school record for rebounds by a freshman with22 against Old Dominion (12/29/79). In addition, Watson’s 16 rebounds arethe most in a game by a Virginia player since Norman Nolan grabbed 16against George Mason (11/22/97).
Five Consecutive Home Wins
Virginia’s loss to Duke on January 5 in University Hall snappedUVa’s five-game home winning streak. The streak was the longest to start ahome season since the 1992-93 season when the Cavaliers won eight straighthome games. Virginia is 8-1 at home this season.
Most Points By an Opposing Player
In the Cavaliers’ 98-91 victory at Clemson (Jan. 15), the Tigers’Will Solomon scored 43 points. Solomon’s performance tied for the fourthmost points ever scored by an opposing player against UVa. It was also themost points scored by an opponent since Bimbo Coles of Virginia Tech scored43 on January 25, 1989. Here’s a list of the top six scoring performancesagainst Virginia.
| 1. | Len Chappell | Wake Forest | 50 | 2/12/62 | |
| 2. | Dickie Hemric | Wake Forest | 49 | 12/11/54 | |
| 3. | Grady Wallace | South Carolina | 44 | 2/15/57 | |
| 4. | Reggie King | Alabama | 43 | 3/12/79 | |
| 4. | Bimbo Coles | Virginia Tech | 43 | 1/25/89 | |
| 4. | Will Solomon | Clemson | 43 | 1/15/00 |
Three Players Score 20 Points vs. Duke
In the Cavaliers’ 109-100 overtime loss to Duke (Jan. 5), UVa hadthree players score 20 or more points. Sophomore forward Chris Williamsled the way with 27, while freshman guard Roger Mason tallied a career-high22 points. Junior guard Donald Hand rounded out the trio with 20 points.It marked the first time since the 1994-95 season that Virginia had threeplayers score 20 or more points in the same game.
Oddly enough, the previous occasion that three UVa playerssurpassed the 20-point plateau was against Duke in a 91-88 overtime victoryin Durham on January 14, 1995. Junior Burrough (23), Cory Alexander (22)and Harold Deane (22) were the three players that combined to accomplishthe feat.
Two Teams Reach Triple Digits
When Virginia (100) and Duke (109) reached triple digits on January5, it marked the first home contest in the history of Virginia men’sbasketball that both teams scored 100 or more points in the same game.
Virginia’s 128-98 home victory over George Mason in the 1994-95season was the closest both teams had come to scoring 100-plus points inthe same game.
The 100-point output by UVa against Duke was also the first time ithas scored 100 or more points in an ACC game since a 100-82 triumph overClemson in the 1992-93 season.
ACC Start
The Cavaliers’ 5-2 start in the ACC this season marked their beststart in conference play since the 1982-83 season when they began theconference slate with a 7-1 record.
UVa is currently 5-4 in the conference after its loss at Duke (Feb. 5).
UVa Winning Despite ACC Opponents’ Shooting
Virginia is 5-4 in the ACC despite being outshot from the field byits opponents 51.4 percent (270-525) to 45.3 percent (266-587) in the firstnine conference games. Virginia has been outshot in seven of nineconference games, but has still managed to win three of those games inwhich it has been outshot. The only games in which UVa has outshot the ACCopposition are Georgia Tech (Jan. 8) and Wake Forest (Jan. 30). TheCavaliers held a 45.2 percent (28-62) to 40.8 percent (20-49) advantage inthe Georgia Tech game. Against Wake Forest, UVa held a 48.4 to 45.6percent shooting edge in that victory.
The Yellow Jackets are the only ACC team that Virginia has heldunder 45.0 percent shooting this season.
Forcing Turnovers
The Cavaliers have forced their opponents into 20 or more turnoversin seven of the last 15 games, and in 12 of 22 games this season. Maryland(19), Wake Forest (19), Virginia Tech (19), Florida State (18), Duke (16) -twice, Dartmouth (13), N.C. State (12), Minnesota (11) and St. John’s (9)are the teams that turned the ball over less than 20 times against Virginiathis season. The Cavaliers are 11-1 when opponents turn the ball over 20or more times in a game. Virginia is 14-2 when opponents have 18 or moreturnovers. UVa’s opponents are averaging 20.0 turnovers per game (439 in22 games) in 1999-2000. In ACC play, the opposition has averaged 18.9turnovers per game (170 in nine games).
Warming Up From Long Range
In its last 15 games, Virginia has heated up from three-pointrange, as it has made 129 three-point field goals in 333 attempts for 38.7percent. The percentage of three-pointers made has improved dramatically,especially when you consider what the Cavaliers were shooting beyond thearc in the first seven games (26.6 percent, 33-124). In the first sevengames, UVa made 4.7 threes per game, compared to 8.6 per outing in the last15 contests.
Overall, UVa is shooting 35.4 percent (162-457) from three-pointrange. The Cavaliers have made 10 or more three-point field goals in agame six times this season. Virginia made a season-high 13 three-pointfield goals against Georgia Tech (Jan. 8).
Eleven different players have made three-pointers this season.
School Record Pace for Steals
The Cavaliers are averaging 8.8 steals per game (total of 193) inthe 1999-2000 season and at that pace, UVa would set a school record forsteals. Last year, Virginia posted an all-time best 257 steals for anaverage of 8.6 per game. At their current rate, the Cavaliers wouldconclude this season with a school record 264 steals (based on 30 games).
On five different occasions this season, Virginia has registered 15steals in a game, which ties for 11th place on UVa’s single game stealslist.
Shooting Well
The Cavaliers are shooting 47.2 percent (646-1369) from the fieldin the 1999-2000 season. If you subtract UVa’s three-point field goalshooting (35.4 percent, 162-457), the Cavaliers are hitting an outstanding53.1 percent (484-912) from the floor.
Virginia is third in the ACC in field goal percentage through gamesplayed February 6, trailing only North Carolina (50.5 percent) and Duke(47.7 percent).
Virginia has shot 50 percent or better from the field in five of 22games this season, including four of the last 15 contests. UVa has shot 45percent or better in all but six games – Minnesota (36.4 percent, 24-66),N.C. State (17-41, 41.5 percent), Clemson (41.7 percent, 30-72), Richmond(42.6 percent, 23-54), Virginia Tech (43.1 percent, 25-58), and Duke (Feb.5, 43.7 percent, 31-71).
Changes in Virginia’s Starting Lineup
Virginia head coach Pete Gillen has used eight different startinglineups and has had a total of 10 different players start in the first 22games of the Cavaliers’ 1999-2000 season. Virginia is 6-2 in games thisseason with new starting lineups. No player has started every game for theCavaliers this season.
UVa opened the season with junior Stephane Dondon and sophomoreChris Williams at forward, and junior Colin Ducharme at center. JuniorDonald Hand and sophomore Adam Hall started in the backcourt. In the secondgame, a 98-57 triumph over VMI, Gillen started freshman Travis Watson atcenter instead of Ducharme. With the same starting lineup in the thirdgame of the season against South Carolina, the Cavaliers suffered a 73-71setback.
Gillen changed his starting lineup against Providence and itresulted in an 80-64 victory. Hall, Williams and Watson remained in thestarting lineup, but junior guard Keith Friel and freshman guard MajesticMapp started in place of Hand and Dondon. The Cavaliers used their fourthdifferent starting combination against Arizona State (Hall, Williams,Watson, Mapp and Hand) and came away with a 70-64 victory.
In a 74-62 loss at Minnesota in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge onNovember 30, Virginia started senior Willie Dersch, Ducharme, Hall, Handand Watson. UVa started its sixth different lineup against St. John’s (Dec.4) when freshman Roger Mason, Hall, Hand, Watson and Williams were in thestarting lineup.
Gillen used his seventh different starting lineup in a 98-67 winover Loyola (Dec. 8). Dersch and Williams started at forward with Watson atcenter. At the two guard positions, Hand and Hall received the startingnod. That lineup started eight consecutive games.
Against Clemson (Jan. 15), Gillen used his eighth differentstarting lineup. UVa’s lineup against the Tigers included Dersch,Williams, Watson, Hand and Mason.
Gillen has used the lineup of Dersch, Williams, Watson, Hand andHall 13 times in the last 15 games.
Gillen altered the starting lineup against Duke (Feb. 5) bystarting Mason in place of Dersch. Hall, Williams, Watson and Hand roundedout the starting lineup. It is the same starting lineup used against St.John’s (Dec. 4).
Cavaliers Set Season Highs Against Dartmouth
Virginia set season highs in three categories in its 89-50 win overDartmouth (Jan. 2). The Cavaliers shot an impressive 60.3 percent (35-58)from the field. The percentage is the highest since UVa shot 60.5 percent(23-38) against Wake Forest on February 24, 1996. Virginia’s previousseason high in 1999-2000 was 54.3 percent (38-70) vs. Hampton (Dec. 10).
The Cavaliers connected on 10 of 20 three-point attempts for aneven 50 percent against the Big Green to establish another season high.UVa has since topped that three-point percentage with an outstanding 56.5percent (13-23) performance against Georgia Tech (Jan. 8).
UVa blocked nine shots against Dartmouth for another season high.The former season best was eight blocks against VMI (Nov. 21). The nineblocked shots ties for the 14th best single game total in school history.
Season Lows
The Cavaliers set season lows in several statistical categories intheir 65-62 loss at N.C. State (Jan. 12). UVa’s 17 field goals made and 41attempted are both season lows. The previous season low for both fieldsgoals made and attempted was against South Carolina (Nov. 25) when UVa was23 for 50 from the field. Virginia did not block a shot in the N.C. Stategame to set another season low. In their game against Florida State(1/26), the Cavaliers also failed to block a shot. Prior to the N.C. Stateand Florida State games this season, the last time UVa failed to block ashot in a game was against Florida State (2/4/98). The Cavaliers’ 62points against N.C. State also equalled their season low, which firstoccurred against Minnesota (Nov. 30).
Williams Named ACC Player of the Week
Sophomore forward Chris Williams was the ACC Player of the Week forhis performance in Virginia’s victories over Belmont (Dec. 28) andDartmouth (Jan .2). Williams scored 44 points, grabbed nine rebounds andshot 70.4 percent (19-27) from the field in the two games.
Williams has broken out of an early season scoring slump and isaveraging 16.4 points per game over the last 16 games (263 points). Duringthe 16-game stretch, Williams is shooting 58.0 percent (101-174) from thefloor. He has made 43 of 64 free throws (67.2 percent) in the last 16games. Williams, the 1998-99 ACC Rookie of the Year, is also averaging 5.4rebounds (86), 2.1 assists (33), and 1.4 steals (22) a game during therecent stretch.
After going six games without making a three-point field goal(0-9), Williams has made 16 of 34 attempts (47.1 percent) from beyond thearc in the last nine contests. Overall, he is 22-63 (34.9 percent) fromthree-point range.
Williams had his streak of 10 consecutive double figure scoringoutings snapped when he scored four points against Florida State (1/26).He has reached double digits in 17 of his last 19 games.
On the season, Williams is second on the team in scoring at 15.1points per game (11th in the ACC) and is shooting a team-high 56.6 percentfrom the floor (2nd in the ACC). He also leads the team in steals (33) andis second in rebounding (5.5 rpg.). In ACC games only, Williams is eighthin the conference in scoring (16.7 ppg.).
As a freshman in 1998-99, Williams averaged 16.8 points and 7.5rebounds per game.
Hand Named ACC Player of the Week
Junior guard Donald Hand was named the ACC Co-Player of the Weekafter helping lead the Cavaliers to wins over Virginia Tech (Jan. 24),Florida State (Jan. 26) and Wake Forest (Jan. 30).
In the three games, Hand scored 60 points and connected on 18 of 39attempts from the field (46.2 percent). He also recorded 11 assists.
Hand scored a game-high 21 points, which included an 11 of 13effort from the free throw line, in Virginia’s 71-66 overtime win overVirginia Tech in Richmond, Va. Hand scored a season-high 28 points inUVa’s 86-81 win over Florida State at University Hall. He made eight of 14attempts from the floor, including four of eight from three-point range,and made eight of nine free throws. Hand rounded out the week with an11-point, five-assist performance in the Cavaliers’ 76-67 win at WakeForest.
Earlier this season, Hand was named to the All-Tournament team atthe Puerto Rico Shootout after averaging 19.3 points in three contests. Hewas 20 of 28 (71.4 percent) from the free throw line, including a 14 of 17effort against Providence. Hand scored 26 points in the win over PC. UVafinished fifth in the eight-team tournament.
Hand”ing” Out Assists
Junior guard Donald Hand has moved into eighth place on Virginia’sall-time assist list with 323 in his career. Barry Parkhill (1971-73) isseventh with 369. John Crotty (1988-91) holds the all-time UVa assistrecord with 683.
Hand leads the Cavaliers with 101 assists (4.6 apg.) this season(5th in the ACC), including 79 in his last 15 games (5.3 apg.).
In addition to leading the team in assists, Hand also tops the teamin scoring at 16.0 points per game (7th in the ACC). He is averaging 18.3points per game in conference play (4th in the ACC). He leads the teamwith 40 three-point field goals (6th in the ACC) and is shooting 36.0percent from three-point range (7th in the ACC). Hand is also shooting74.2 percent (95-128) from the free throw line (9th in the ACC). He hasone double-double in points and assists to his credit.
Last season, Hand led the Cavaliers in scoring at 17.1 points pergame and also averaged 4.1 assists per game.
Double-Double for Hand
Junior guard Donald Hand registered his first double-double of theseason and the third of his career against Hampton (Dec. 10) with 15 pointsand 11 assists. Hand’s 11 assists established a new career high. Hisformer career high was nine assists against Duke (Jan. 24, 1998). It isHand’s first double-double in points and assists. His first twodouble-doubles came last season against Wake Forest (Feb. 3) – 25 points,11 rebounds, and Georgia Tech (Feb. 25) – 28 points, 13 rebounds.
Hot Hand
Junior guard Donald Hand truly has had a hot hand over the last 12games. During the last 12 contests, Hand has averaged 17.8 points per game(214 points), including a season high 28-point performance against FloridaState (Jan. 26). He has also pulled down 33 rebounds (2.8 rpg.), dishedout 53 assists (4.4 apg.), and made 14 steals (1.2 spg) in the last 12games.
In the past nine games, Hand has converted 52 of 66 free throws foran impressive 78.8 percent.
Watson Named ACC Rookie of the Week
Freshman forward/center Travis Watson was named the ACC Rookie ofthe Week after helping lead the Cavaliers to wins over Virginia Tech (Jan.24), Florida State (Jan. 26) and Wake Forest (Jan. 30).
Watson totaled 37 points and 22 rebounds in the three UVa wins.He notched 10 rebounds, six points, two blocks and two steals inVirginia’s 71-66 overtime win over Virginia Tech in Richmond. Watson thenposted 13 points and six rebounds in an 86-81 victory over Florida State.He concluded the week by scoring a career-high 18 points in UVa’s 76-67 winat Wake Forest. He added six rebounds and three assists against the DemonDeacons.
Leading Rebounder
Freshman forward/center Travis Watson came to Virginia with thereputation as a great rebounder and has lived up to that billing so far in1999-2000. Watson has led the team in rebounding in 13 of 22 games thisseason, including 10 of the last 17. He is averaging a team best 8.4rebounds per game (4th in the ACC). He has been in double figures inrebounds six times. Watson grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds in the ACCopener against Duke (Jan. 5).
In addition to leading the team in rebounding, Watson is also topson the club in blocked shots with 25 (9th in the ACC), which includes acareer-high five blocks against Dartmouth (Jan. 2). He is third on theteam in scoring at 11.3 points per game and in field goal percentage at53.8 percent (98-182). Watson is fifth on the team in steals with 22. Hehas led the team in scoring three times, and has five double-doubles inpoints and rebounds.
Friel Finds the Range
In the last 12 games, junior guard Keith Friel has made 22 of his48 three-point field goal attempts (45.8 percent). His best two outingscame against Belmont (Dec. 28) when he made four of eight attempts, andversus Dartmouth (Jan. 2) when he drilled four of five three-point tries.
Prior to the last 12 games, Friel had connected on 11 of 32three-point attempts (34.4 percent).
On the season, Friel is 33 for 80 from beyond the three-point arcand leads the ACC with a .412 percentage. Thirty-three of his 38 fieldgoals are three-pointers. Friel’s third basket against Maryland (Feb. 2)was a two-pointer and it broke a string of 16 consecutive field goals thatwere threes. He is also 18 for 19 (94.7 percent) from the free throw line.
In two seasons at Notre Dame, Friel shot 39.7 percent (60-151) fromthree-point range, including 46.4 percent (45-97) his last season (1997-98).
Dondon Turns in Outstanding Performance
Junior forward Stephane Dondon turned in his best performance as aCavalier when he scored a career-best 14 points and added a career-hightying seven rebounds in UVa’s 86-81 victory over Florida State (Jan. 26) atUniversity Hall. Dondon connected on five of six attempts from the floor(1-2 threes) and made three of four free throws. His seven reboundsmatched his career best (he also had seven rebounds vs. Clemson on Jan.15). Dondon also added one assist and one steal in a season-high 27minutes of action against Florida State.
Senior in Starting Lineup Equals Success
Virginia’s lone senior, guard/forward Willie Dersch has started 14of the last 15 games. The Cavaliers compiled an 11-3 record with Dersch inthe starting lineup for those 14 games. Dersch did not start against Duke(Feb. 5). Overall, UVa is 11-4 with Dersch as a starter. The Cavalierslost to Minnesota (Nov. 30) in Dersch’s first start of the season. Derschdid not start in the next game against St. John’s (12/4). He made hisreturn to the starting lineup against Loyola (12/8) and had started everygame since except for Duke (Feb. 5).
On the year, Dersch is averaging 4.4 points per outing and isshooting 45.5 percent (35-77) from the floor. He is averaging 1.7 reboundsper game and possesses a 2.4 to 1 assist to turnover ratio.
Hall’s Scoring Runs Hot and Cold
Sophomore guard Adam Hall’s scoring has run in streaks all seasonlong. In the early portion of the season, Hall reached double figures inscoring only twice in the first seven games.
Hall broke out of his slump with 18, 15 and 23-point outingsagainst Loyola (Dec. 8), Hampton (Dec. 10) and Richmond (Dec. 23),respectively. After failing to reach double digits in the next threegames, Hall has scored in double figures in five of his last eight contests.
Despite the inconsistent scoring, Hall has shot very well from thefield in his last 14 games. He has shot an impressive 56.4 percent fromthe field (62-110). He has also made 16 of his last 38 three-pointattempts (42.1 percent) after starting the season one for 11 (9.1 percent).
On the season, Hall is shooting 53.9 percent (82-152) from thefield, but is struggling at the free throw line having made 29 of 57attempts (50.9 percent). However, in his last seven games, Hall has madenine of 13 attempts from the free throw line (69.2 percent).
Hare Sets Career High
Junior guard Josh Hare scored a career-high 10 points in theCavaliers’ 102-56 win over Hampton (Dec. 10). He made four of eightattempts from the floor (1-4 on three-pointers) and one of two free throws.The field goals attempted and made are career bests as well. He also addedfour rebounds.
Mapp Sets Career High
Freshman guard Majestic Mapp established a new career high byscoring 12 points in the Cavaliers’ 98-91 victory over Clemson (Jan. 15).He made three of eight attempts from the field (2-7 on threes) andconverted all four free throws. Mapp also tallied three assists and twosteals with no turnovers in 22 minutes of playing time against the Tigers.
Mapp equalled his career high with 12 points in UVa’s 86-81 winover Florida State (Jan. 26) at U-Hall. He made four of seven attemptsfrom the field (2-4 on threes) and made both free throws.
Mapp’s previous career-best was 10 points against Elon (Nov. 19)and VMI (Nov. 21) in the first two games of his collegiate career.
Mason’s First Three-Pointer a Big One
Freshman guard Roger Mason’s first three-point field goal forVirginia couldn’t have come at a better time. Mason’s first three-pointfield goal of his collegiate career came with 3:21 remaining to play in theCavaliers’ game at the University of Richmond (Dec. 21) and broke a59-59 tie. The three-pointer gave UVa a lead it would not surrender in thegame’s closing moments as Virginia defeated the Spiders 69-65. It was theonly three-point attempt of the game for Mason, who missed his first 10three-point attempts this season.
Mason Named ACC Rookie of the Week
Guard Roger Mason turned in a pair of terrific performance in UVa’sACC games against Duke (Jan. 5) and Georgia Tech (Jan. 8) and was named theACC Rookie of the Week.
In his ACC debut against Duke, Mason scored a career-high 22 pointson nine of 12 shooting from the field (75.0 percent), including a perfectthree for three effort from three-point range. He also made his lone freethrow, grabbed three rebounds, and had two steals while playing 28 minuteswith no turnovers.
Against Georgia Tech, Mason scored 14 points on three of fiveshooting from the floor. He made all three of his three-point field goalattempts and was a perfect five for five from the free throw line. He alsoadded two rebounds and one assist.
In nine ACC games, Mason is averaging 8.7 points per game and isshooting 41.8 percent (23-55) from the field. He has made 10 of 19three-point attempts (52.6 percent) and is 22 for 25 (88.0 percent) fromthe free throw line. He has 14 rebounds, 14 assists and nine steals to hiscredit while committing 11 turnovers in 182 minutes of playing time.
Mason made a pair of clutch baskets in UVa’s 71-66 overtime winover Virginia Tech (Jan. 24). He scored nine of his 13 points in thesecond half. With the Hokies on a 13-0 run that gave them a 54-53 lead,Mason drained a three-pointer as the shot clock was about to expire. Thatbasket gave the Cavaliers a 56-54 lead with 4:24 to play, and also broke aVirginia scoreless draught that spanned 7:21. (Mason also made the lastbasket before the draught that gave UVa a 53-41 edge with 11:45 to play).He also made an off-balance jumper with 2:33 to go that trimmed theVirginia Tech lead to two, 60-58.
Freshmen Making Significant Contribution
Three freshmen are playing significant minutes for Virginia duringthe 1999-2000 season. Forward/center Travis Watson, and guards MajesticMapp and Roger Mason have each seen action in all 22 of Virginia’s games.
Watson has started 21 games for the Cavaliers and is the team’sleading rebounder (8.4 rpg.) and third leading scorer (11.3 ppg.). He alsoleads the team in blocked shots (25), is third in field goal percentage at53.8 percent (98-182, players with at least 15 field goals attempted) andfifth in steals (22). Watson is averaging 27.7 minutes of playing time agame.
Mason is averaging 7.4 points and 2.2 rebounds a game. He isaveraging 19.3 minutes of playing time a game and has 27 assists and 23steals. He has started three games.
Mapp is averaging 5.7 points and 0.6 rebound a game while playing18.3 minutes per contest. He has started two games and is shooting 38.6percent (22-57) from three-point range. Mapp has 54 assists and 35turnovers, and also has 18 steals.
Chezley Watson Leaves Team
Junior guard Chezley Watson has left the Virginia basketball team.Watson left the team prior to the Cavaliers’ game with Georgia Tech onJanuary 8 after visiting with head coach Pete Gillen. The Gainesville, Ga.native was hampered by an ankle injury this season and played in ninegames. He averaged 1.4 points per game while playing an average of 4.4minutes per game.
Watson, a two-year letterman, started 26 of the 28 games he playedin last season. He averaged 8.3 points and 3.0 rebounds a game during the1998-99 season.
Not so “Free” Throws
After leading the ACC in free throw percentage (.734) for the firsttime since 1979 last season, the Cavaliers struggled from the free throwline in the early portion of the 1999-2000 campaign.
Through the first 22 games of the season, UVa has shot 67.2 percent(367-546) from the free throw line. The Cavaliers have shot over 65percent from the charity stripe only 13 times this season, but haveeclipsed that mark in 12 of the last 17 contests.
In ACC play, UVa’s free throw percentage has improved to 70.4percent (145-206). In nine conference contests, the Cavaliers have shotbetter than 70 percent five times.
Virginia’s best performance from the free throw line was a perfecteight for eight outing against Minnesota (Nov. 30). The effort tied forthe sixth best performance in school history. UVa made all eight attemptsfrom the line vs. Wake Forest (1/26/85) and Houston (12/10/89). Prior tothe Minnesota game, the last time the Cavaliers were perfect from the freethrow line was a six for six effort against Georgia Tech (2/22/90).
Ducharme Tied for Sixth on Blocked Shot List
Junior center Colin Ducharme is currently tied for sixth place onVirginia’s all-time blocked shot list with 86. Ducharme is tied with OldenPolynice (1984-86) for sixth place. Junior Burrough (1992-95) is fifthwith 96 blocks.
Ducharme is tied with current teammate Chris Williams for theninth-best single season block total with 41. Ducharme notched his 41blocks while leading the team in that category in 1996-97. Williams’ 41blocks came last year. In addition to leading the team in blocks in1996-97, Ducharme also held that honor in 1997-98 with 34.
Eleven Different Double Figure Scorers
In the first 22 games of the 1999-2000 season, the Cavaliers havehad 11 different players score in double figures in a game. Virginia hadonly seven players reach double figures in scoring last season. Juniorforward Stephane Dondon became the 11th Cavalier to score in double figuresin the 1999-2000 season when he tallied 14 points against Florida State(Jan. 26).
The other double figure scorers this season are: (only firstdouble digit performance is listed) sophomore guard Adam Hall (12 vs. VMI),junior guard Donald Hand (18 vs. Elon), freshman guard Majestic Mapp (10vs. Elon), freshman guard Roger Mason (10 vs. Elon), freshmanforward/center Travis Watson (15 vs. Elon), sophomore forward ChrisWilliams (16 vs. Elon), junior guard Keith Friel (14 vs. South Carolina),junior center Colin Ducharme (10 vs. South Carolina), senior forward WillieDersch (10 vs. Arizona State), and junior guard Josh Hare (10 vs. Hampton).
Spreading the Minutes Around
True to his word, head coach Pete Gillen is going deep into hisbench in 1999-2000. After the first 22 games of the season, Virginia hasnine players averaging double figures in minutes. Only sophomore forwardChris Williams and junior guard Donald Hand are averaging 30 minutes ofplaying time per game. Williams is averaging 30.8 minutes per game, whileHand is averaging 30.3 minutes per outing.
Only two other players, freshman forward/center Travis Watson(27.7) and sophomore guard Adam Hall (25.0), are averaging more than 20minutes per contest. The other players averaging double figure minutesare: freshman guard Roger Mason (19.3), freshman guard Majestic Mapp(18.3), senior forward Willie Dersch (13.3), junior forward Stephane Dondon(12.6), and junior guard Keith Friel (12.1). Junior center Colin Ducharmeis averaging 7.4 minutes per game.
Cavaliers Lose to Duke
Virginia lost to third-ranked Duke 106-86 at Cameron Indoor Stadiumin Durham, N.C. on February 5.
Junior guard Donald Hand led UVa with 27 points, and in the processreached a personal milestone by scoring his 1,000th career point. Handscored his 1,000th career point on a jumper with 11:21 to play in the game.Sophomore forward Chris Williams added 14 points, while sophomore guardAdam Hall notched 11 points and team highs of seven rebounds and foursteals. Freshman guard Roger Mason contributed 11 points and four assists.
The Blue Devils could do no wrong in the first half as they shot68.4 percent (26-38) en route to a 65-33 halftime lead. Virginia played aninspired second half as it outscored Duke 53-41, but could not trim theBlue Devil lead lower than 18 points. UVa shot 54.3 percent (19-35) fromthe field in the second half, including 54.5 percent (6-11) fromthree-point range.
The Duke trio of Chris Carrawell, Shane Battier and Carlos Boozercombined to tally 71 points and 26 rebounds.
Virginia Falls to Nationally-ranked Maryland
The Cavaliers had their five-game winning streak stopped with a91-79 loss to 25th-ranked Maryland at Cole Field House in College Park,Md., on February 2.
Sophomore forward Chris Williams led UVa with 22 points and sixrebounds. Sophomore guard Adam Hall and freshman guard Roger Mason alsoscored in double figures with 14 and 10 points, respectively. Hall alsoadded four rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Maryland shot 56.9 percent (29-51) from the field in the game,including 65.4 percent (17-26) in the decisive second half. The Terps alsoheld a 39-25 edge in rebounding.
Virginia was within two points, 49-47, with 15:48 to play, butMaryland used a 6-0 run to stretch its lead to eight, 55-47, with 13:54 togo. The Cavaliers closed to within five points twice, but could get nocloser. UVa came within five with 13:13 to play (55-50) on a three-pointerby Hall and then again on a Hall three-point play at the 12:07 mark thatmade the score 60-55.
Lonny Baxter led the Terps with 24 points, while Terence Morrisposted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Cavaliers Defeat Wake Forest
Virginia posted a 76-67 win over Wake Forest at the Lawrence JoelColiseum in Winston-Salem, N.C., on January 30 for its 15th win of theseason and fifth in ACC play. With the win, the Cavaliers surpassed theiroverall and ACC win totals from last season (14-16, 4-12).
Freshman forward/center Travis Watson led the way with a game andcareer-high 18 points. He also added six rebounds (five offensive) andthree assists. Sophomore forward Chris Williams added 14 points, ateam-high eight rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots. Juniorguard Donald Hand rounded out UVa’s double figure scorers with 11 points,and he also added a game-high five assists.
After spotting the Demon Deacons a 3-0 lead, the Cavaliers took thelead for good, 4-3, on a layup by Williams 1:53 into the contest. Virginiabuilt its lead to as many as 13 points, 28-15 with 6:36 to play, beforetaking a 32-26 halftime advantage.
In the second half, the Cavaliers used a 10-2 run over the first1:31 to build their advantage to 42-28. Wake Forest came back to closewithin five points on five occasions. The last time the Demon Deaconspulled within five points (70-65) was with 1:19 left. Freshman guardMajestic Mapp scored the next four points in the game by making fourconsecutive free throws to put the game out of reach.
UVa Tops Seminoles for Fourth Consecutive Win
The Cavaliers defeated Florida State 86-81 on January 26 atUniversity Hall for their fourth consecutive win and third straight ACCtriumph. With the win, UVa improved to 14-5 overall and 4-2 in the ACC,matching last season’s overall and conference win totals.
Junior guard Donald Hand led all scorers with a season-high 28points. He made eight of 14 attempts from the field (4-8 for three-pointrange) and eight of nine free throws. Junior forward Stephane Dondon andfreshman guard Majestic Mapp combined to score 26 points off the bench.Dondon netted a career-high 14 points and equalled his career-high withseven rebounds. Mapp also matched his career-high with 12 points.Freshman forward/center Travis Watson added 13 points.
In the final three minutes of the first half, the Cavaliersoutscored Florida State 11-4 to take a 46-45 halftime lead. The rally wascapped off by a long three-point field goal by Hand at the buzzer.
The game remained close in the second half with neither teamleading by more that five points (FSU’s biggest second half lead was twopoints) until the final minute. Virginia built its lead to six, 80-74,with 49.7 seconds remaining when Hand made a pair of free throws. TheCavaliers converted 10 of 12 free throws in the final two minutes to helpseal the victory.
Guard Ron Hale led the Seminoles with 26 points and eight rebounds,while Damous Anderson added 19 points.
Cavaliers Need Overtime to Defeat Virginia Tech
Virginia defeated Virginia Tech 71-66 in overtime on January 24 atthe Richmond Coliseum. For the second consecutive game, the Cavaliersbuilt a 12-point lead and then had to withstand an opponent rally to earnthe victory. UVa built a 12-point lead against UNC (Jan. 18) and withstooda Tar Heel rally for an 87-85 victory.
Against Virginia Tech, junior guard Donald Hand scored a game-high21 points to lead the Cavaliers. Among his 21 points was an 11 of 13effort from the free throw line. He scored seven of Virginia’s 11 pointsin overtime with a layup and five free throws. Freshman guard Roger Masonscored 13 points with nine coming in the second half. Sophomore guard AdamHall added 12 points, while sophomore forward Chris Williams notched 11,including the last basket in regulation that tied the game at 60-60 with1:13 to play.
The Cavaliers built a 12-point lead, 53-41 with 11:45 to play, butthe Hokies went on a 13-0 run to take a 54-53 lead with 5:22 to go.Mason’s three-pointer with 4:24 to go stopped the Virginia Tech run andgave UVa a 56-54 edge. The Hokies scored the next six points to take a60-56 lead, but baskets by Mason and Williams forced overtime.
Virginia took the lead for good with 4:12 to play in overtime whenHand converted a three-point play to give UVa a 63-62 lead. After a Halllayup pushed the margin to three, 65-62, the Cavaliers sealed the win bymaking six of seven free throws down the stretch.
Guard Brendan Dunlop led Virginia Tech with 15 points, while DennisMims posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Cavaliers Beat 21st-ranked North Carolina
Virginia built a 12-point second half lead and withstood a UNCrally for an 87-85 victory over 21st-ranked North Carolina on January 18 atUniversity Hall.
Sophomore forward Chris Williams continued his outstanding playwith a team-high 24 points. Williams connected on nine of 13 field goalattempts and five of nine free throws. He also added six rebounds and fourassists. Freshman forward/center Travis Watson converted eight of 11 fieldgoal attempts and one of two free throws for 17 points. Sophomore guardAdam Hall tallied 14 points and a team-high seven rebounds, while juniorguard Donald Hand scored all 12 of his points in the second half.
The Cavaliers used a 17-4 run to turn a 10-2 deficit into a 19-14lead with 12:30 remaining in the first half. The Tar Heels rallied toeventually take a 43-38 halftime edge.
UNC held its lead until Williams converted a three-point play with13:47 left that tied the game at 53-53. Williams gave UVa the lead forgood, 56-55, with 12:41 to go when he made the first of two free throws.His free throw started an 18-6 run that gave Virginia a 73-61 advantagewith 6:21 to play. The Tar Heels stormed back to pull within one point,81-80, with 1:14 left, but a three-point play by Hand and two free throwsby Williams pushed the lead back up to six points with 28 seconds remaining. Joseph Forte led North Carolina with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
Watson Perfect From Field
Freshman forward/center Travis Watson was a perfect six-for-sixfrom the field against South Carolina on November 25 to tie for Virginia’sfifth best perfect shooting game from the field of all time. It is the11th time that a player has made all six attempts from the field. Prior toWatson, the last UVa player to make every attempt (minimum of five) fromthe floor was Kenny Turner, who tied the school record with a nine-for-nineeffort against Samford on 11/28/89. Jeff Jones (vs. Alabama-Birmingham3/18/82) also shares the school record with Turner.
Only Two in Double Figure Scoring
The Cavaliers had only two players score in double figures in theirvictory against Providence (Nov. 26) and their loss to St. John’s (Dec. 4),marking the only times this season Virginia has not had at least threeplayers score in double figures in a game. Last season, Virginia failed tohave at least three players score in double figures four times and won onlyone of those contests (a 65-58 win over Clemson on January 17, 1999).
Double-Double in Debut
Freshman forward Travis Watson became only the third freshman inVirginia history since the restoration of freshman eligibility in 1972-73to record a double-double in the first game of his career. Oddly enough,it is also the second straight year that it has happened.
Watson totaled 15 points and 14 rebounds in only 19 minutes in theseason opener against Elon on November 19. He earned his first careerstart against VMI on November 21 and totaled 16 points (7 of 9 FGs, 2-2FTs), seven rebounds, two assists, two blocked shots and two steals in 25minutes of action.
Current sophomore Chris Williams opened his UVa career with a20-point, 10-rebound “double double” against Virginia Commonwealth lastseason.
The first player to record a double double in his first game wasScott Johnson, who scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 27 minutesin the 1995-96 season opener against Tennessee-Martin.
The performances of several notable Cavaliers in their collegedebuts are listed below.
| Who? | Opp. | Year | Pts. | Rebs. |
| Junior Burrough | W&M | 91-92 | 17 | 6 |
| Bryant Stith | Dartmouth | 88-89 | 12 | 6 |
| Olden Polynice | Lafayette | 83-84 | 8 | 5 |
| Ralph Sampson | Johns Hopkins | 79-80 | 17 | 8 |
| Jeff Lamp | James Madison | 77-78 | 24 | 3 |
| Marc Iavaroni | W&L | 74-75 | 14 | 9 |
| Wally Walker | WFU | 72-73 | 7 | 3 |
No Three-Pointers
Virginia held Arizona State without a three-point field goal onNovember 27, marking the sixth time since the inception of the three-pointfield goal in the 1986-87 season that UVa has accomplished the feat.Interestingly, two of the five previous games that Virginia held opponentswithout a three-pointer came last season in a span of eight days (Loyola0-7 on 12/30/98 and Maryland 0-7 on 1/7/99).
Dersch and Hand Elected Captains
Senior forward Willie Dersch and junior guard Donald Hand wereelected captains of the 1999-2000 Virginia basketball team by theirteammates. Both players served as captains of the basketball team lastseason.
In 1998-99, Dersch started 26 of the 30 games in which he playedand received the team’s Michael McCann Leadership Award. He averaged 10.2points and 2.8 rebounds a game last season. The three-year letterwinner isthe only senior on the 1999-2000 UVa team.
Hand started all 30 games last season and was the co-recipient ofthe Bill Gibson Cavalier of the Year Award as the team’s most valuableplayer. Hand led the Cavaliers in scoring (17.1 ppg), assists (123, 4.1apg.), steals (57), free throw shooting (86.2 percent, 162-188) andthree-point field goals (50). He was the top free throw shooter in theAtlantic Coast Conference last season. His 41 points in Virginia’s 82-79overtime victory over North Carolina State last February are a UVasophomore record and the most points scored by a Virginia player sinceBarry Parkhill established a school record with 51 points againstBaldwin-Wallace during the 1971-72 season.
Williams and Hall Earn Silver
Sophomores Chris Williams and Adam Hall played on the USABasketball Men’s Junior World Championship Team that earned a silver medalat the 16-team 1999 FIBA Men’s Junior World Championships in Portugal inJuly. Williams, the 1998-99 ACC Rookie of the Year and All-ACC third-teampick, set a tournament record for the USA with 12 blocked shots during thecompetition. He averaged 10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
1999-2000 ACC Pre-Season Media Prediction
(Indicates first place votes)
| Team | Points | |
| 1. | North Carolina (74) | 792 |
| 2. | Duke (16) | 712 |
| 3. | Wake Forest | 577 |
| 4. | Maryland | 481 |
| 5. | NC State | 442 |
| 6. | Georgia Tech | 396 |
| 7. | Virginia | 358 |
| 8. | Florida State | 179 |
| 9. | Clemson | 113 |
Five Players Mentioned for ACC Pre-Season Honors
Virginia had five players receive votes for various 1999-2000Pre-Season Atlantic Coast Conference teams as selected by the mediaattending the conference’s 38th annual Operation Basketball held on October24 in Greensboro, N.C.
Headlining the UVa list is sophomore forward Chris Williams who wasselected to the pre-season All-ACC second team. Williams also receivedconsideration as the pre-season ACC Player of the Year. Last season,Williams was named the ACC Rookie of the Year and also garnered third teamaccolades. He was Virginia’s second leading scorer at 16.8 points per gameand also led the squad with 7.5 rebounds per outing.
Junior guard Donald Hand was a 1999-2000 honorable mentionpre-season All-ACC selection, having received the 13th-most votes. Handled the Cavaliers in scoring in 1998-99 with 17.1 points per game and wasan honorable mention All-ACC pick at the conclusion of the season.
Three members of Virginia’s heralded freshman class receivedconsideration as the 1999-2000 pre-season ACC Rookie of the Year. Pointguard Majestic Mapp, guard Roger Mason and forward Travis Watson were amongseven league players to receive votes for Rookie of the Year.
Ducharme Living on The Lawn
Redshirt junior Colin Ducharme was selected to live in one ofVirginia’s prestigious Lawn rooms during the 1999-2000 academic year. Heis the 15th men’s basketball player to be chosen to live on The Lawn andthe first since Matt Blundin, who played both basketball and football atVirginia, lived on The Lawn in 1992.
Ricky Stokes (1984), Ralph Sampson (1983) and Terry Gates (1980)are the other most recent basketball players to live on The Lawn.