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March 13, 2000
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Cavaliers bid to the 2000 National Invitation Tournament (NIT)marks their first postseason appearance since the 1997 NCAA Tournament. Inthe 1997 NCAA Tournament, Virginia lost to Iowa 73-60 in the West Regionfirst round in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Virginia (19-11) hosts Georgetown (18-14) in the first round of the2000 NIT on Wednesday, March 15, at 7:00 p.m. in University Hall. The gameis being televised by ESPN.
Virginia Makes Eighth NIT Appearance
Virginia is participating in the National Invitation Tournament forthe eighth time. The Cavaliers have won the NIT championship twice, in1980 and in 1992, and have compiled an overall record of 13-5 in theirseven previous appearances in the tournament.
Virginia and Georgetown have met once before in the NIT. The Hoyasdefeated the Cavaliers 70-68 in overtime at University Hall in the openinground of the 1978 NIT.
UVa’s most recent appearance in the NIT was in 1992 when theCavaliers rolled to the tournament championship. In 1992, Virginia won atVillanova 83-80 in the first round and then defeated Tennessee 77-52 athome in the second round. The Cavaliers defeated New Mexico 76-71 at theRichmond Coliseum in Richmond, Va., in the quarterfinals. In thesemifinals at Madison Square Garden, UVa defeated Florida 62-56. Virginiawon the 1992 NIT Championship with an 81-76 overtime victory over NotreDame in the championship game.
The Series vs. Georgetown
Georgetown leads the series with Virginia 11-9, but the Cavaliershave won five of the last six meetings, including the last two. Georgetownwon the first six meetings of the series, which dates back to the 1906-07season. Since then, Virginia holds a 9-5 edge in the series.
In the last meeting, Virginia defeated the Hoyas 76-66 in overtimein the ACC/Big East Challenge at the Greensboro Coliseum in the 1991-92season. UVa’s previous win was a 68-63 triumph at the Capital Centre inLandover, Md., in the 1982-83 season.
The Hoyas’ last win in the series was in the 1977-78 season whenGeorgetown posted a 70-68 overtime victory at University Hall in the firstround of the NIT.
The Cavaliers are 5-4 against Georgetown in games played inCharlottesville. UVa has won five of the last six meetings with the Hoyasin Charlottesville.
Picked Seventh, Finish Third
Virginia was picked to finish seventh in the Atlantic CoastConference in 1999-2000 by media attending the annual Atlantic CoastConference Operation Basketball event in Greensboro, N.C., in October. TheCavaliers did far better than predicted as they finished tied for third inthe conference standings with North Carolina with a 9-7 record. UVajumped to third in the conference standings this season after finishingninth the last two years.
Nine Conference Wins
Virginia’s 89-87 overtime victory at home over Maryland on March 4is the ninth Atlantic Coast Conference victory of the season for theCavaliers. UVa’s nine conference wins are the most for the Cavaliers sincethey won 12 conference games and tied for the ACC regular-seasonchampionship during the 1994-95 season. Virginia won four conference gameslast season and three during the 1997-98 season.
Winning Season Secured
Virginia is currently 19-11 overall, guaranteeing the Cavalierstheir first winning season since the 1996-97 team compiled an overallrecord of 18-13.
Watson Among ACC Rookie Leaders
Freshman forward/center Travis Watson is one of the leaders amongfreshmen in the Atlantic Coast Conference this season in a number ofstatistical categories and has been an impact player for the Cavaliers.During the regular season, Watson ranked first among ACC freshmen indefensive rebounds (157), offensive rebounds (83), total rebounds (240, 8.3rpg.), double-doubles (7) and blocked shots (28). He was second in fieldgoal percentage (minimum of 50 attempts, 53.8 percent, 129-240), and fourthin field goals made (129), points scored (328) and scoring average (11.3ppg.). He ranked sixth among ACC freshmen in minutes played (28.0 mpg.).Watson has started 29 of Virginia’s 30 games and has provided the Cavalierswith an inside presence despite being the shortest player playing center inthe conference this season.
Three UVa Players Earn Conference Honors
Three University of Virginia players earned conference recognitionat the end of the regular season. Junior guard Donald Hand and sophomoreforward Chris Williams both earned second-team All-ACC honors, whilefreshman center/forward Travis Watson was selected to the ACC All-FreshmanTeam. Williams was a third-team All-ACC selection last season, while Handearned honorable mention All-ACC honors a year ago. The various teams wereselected by the Atlantic Coast Sports Writers Association for TheAssociated Press.
Adam Hall Named to ACC All-Defensive Team
Virginia sophomore Adam Hall is one of five players selected to the2000 Fan’s Guide Atlantic Coast Conference All-Defensive Team as selectedby the conference’s head coaches. Joining Hall on the team are ShaneBattier and Chris Carrawell of Duke, Juan Dixon of Maryland and AnthonyGrundy of North Carolina State.
Selection of the team is organized by Barry Jacobs’ Fans’ Guide,ACCToday.com.
This is the fifth year the team has been selected. Virginia playersselected to previous All-Defensive Teams include Harold Deane in 1997 andChris Alexander in 1996.
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 1,100 career points. He ranks 30th on UVa’s all-timescoring list.
Prior to Hand, the last UVa player to score 1,000 career points wasNorman Nolan and he accomplished the feat in the 1997-98 season.
Cavaliers Jump From Ninth to Third
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 currently has a 19-11 overall record and finished tiedfor third in the ACC this season with a 9-7 conference record. TheCavaliers finished ninth in the conference standings the last two years.
Best Record Since 1994-95
Virginia’s 19-11 record after 30 games is the Cavaliers’ best atthis point of the season since the Cavaliers were 22-8 after 30 games in1994-95. The 1994-95 team finished the season with an overall record of25-9 after advancing to the Midwest Region finals of the NCAA Tournament.
UVa was 15-5 after 20 games this season, the best 20-game startsince Virginia’s 1992-93 team also started 15-5.
Four Consecutive ACC Wins
The Cavaliers had a four-game ACC winning streak stopped with a91-79 loss at 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).
Virginia’s 71-64 loss at Florida State (Feb. 26) stopped athree-game conference winning streak for the Cavaliers. UVa had won threeconsecutive ACC games with victories at home over N.C. State (Feb. 12) andClemson (Feb. 15), and at North Carolina (Feb. 20).
Two Five-game Winning Streaks
Twice this season the Cavaliers posted five-game winning streaks.Virginia’s most recent five-game 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 15 of its last 23 games.
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 307-155 record for a .665 winning percentage.Gillen is in his second year as head coach at Virginia. His two Virginiateams have compiled an overall record of 33-27.
Gillen has now led his teams to postseason play 12 times (eightNCAA, four NIT). He has been selected as the conference Coach of the Yearfive times – 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.
Shooting and Scoring
Virginia is currently scoring an average of 80.5 points a game andshooting 45.3 percent (843-1862) from the field through 30 games thisseason. If those figures were to remain the same through the end of theseason, it would be UVa’s best scoring average since the 1988-89 season(81.9 ppg.) and the Cavaliers’ best field goal percentage since the 1990-91season (45.5 percent, 904-1987).
UVa ranked second in the ACC in scoring and fourth in field goalpercentage during the 1999-2000 regular season.
Tough Stretch
On February 9, Virginia concluded a tough stretch in which theCavaliers played four consecutive ACC road games. It marked the first timesince the 1996-97 season that an ACC team played four consecutive roadgames. Maryland was the last team to play four straight conference roadgames and it went 1-3 in that stretch during the 1996-97 season.
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 three games to finish 1-3. Included in the three losses were twoto nationally-ranked teams. The Cavaliers fell to 25th-ranked Maryland(Feb. 2) 91-79, a loss that ended a five-game Virginia winning streak. UValost to third-ranked Duke 106-86 (Feb. 5). The Cavaliers’ concluded thefour-game road trip with a 68-47 loss to Georgia Tech (Feb. 9).
UVa returned home to register victories over N.C. State (88-82,Feb. 12) and Clemson (76-62, Feb. 15), and then won 90-76 on the road atNorth Carolina (Feb. 20). After a 71-64 loss at Florida State (Feb. 26)and an 80-75 loss at home to Wake Forest (March 2), the Cavaliers defeatedMaryland (March 4) 89-87 in overtime at University Hall. Virginia finishedthe regular season with an overall record of 19-10, a 9-7 record in the ACCand an 11-2 record at home.
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 11-2 at home this season and has had two five-gamewinning streaks at University Hall. UVa’s two five-game home winningstreaks this season are the longest since the Cavaliers’ won 10 consecutivehome games during the 1996-97 season. Virginia’s latest five-game homewinning streak was stopped by an 80-75 loss to Wake Forest on March 2.
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.
Tough Going 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 37.9 to 35.9, butthat margin increased to 39.6 to 34.2 in ACC regular-season contests.
Virginia has out-rebounded its opponent in 11 of 30 games thisseason, and only three times in the past 15 outings (Virginia Tech, 34-33on Jan. 24, North Carolina State, 48-40 on Feb. 12, and Maryland, 41-36 onMarch 4). In 16 ACC regular-season games, the Cavaliers held a reboundingedge only four times, against Duke (Jan. 5, 46-44), N.C. State twice(36-30 on Jan. 12 and 48-40 on Feb. 12), and Maryland (March 4, 41-36). Inthe 12 ACC games Virginia was out-rebounded, the Cavaliers were 7-5. Theywere 2-2 in ACC games where they held a rebounding advantage. Overall, UVais 10-9 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 attributed to being able to substitute scholarship players offthe bench.
Last season, UVa averaged 12.4 points of bench scoring per gamecompared to 25.9 points this season. Last year, Virginia received 373points from the bench in 30 games and in 30 games this year, the Cavaliershave scored 778 points off the bench.
In the 1999-2000 season, Virginia’s bench has outscored itsopponents 778-514 or 25.9 ppg. to 17.1 ppg. UVa’s bench accounts for 32.2percent of the Cavaliers’ offense, while opponent benches contribute 23.1percent of the points.
In 16 ACC regular-season games, Virginia’s bench outscored theopposition 361-268 or 22.6 ppg. to 16.8 ppg. The Cavalier bench wasresponsible for 28.1 percent of the offense as opposed to 20.8 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 at 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 sevengames. Virginia scored a season-low nine points off the bench againstClemson (Feb. 15), and tallied 10 points against Georgia Tech (Feb. 9) and15 points against Duke (Feb. 5). Against St. John’s (Dec. 4), Richmond(Dec. 21) and Wake Forest (March 2), 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 five times has the UVa bench been outscored by an opponent’sthis season. Richmond’s (Dec. 21) bench outscored UVa’s bench 22-16, andWake Forest (Jan. 30) outscored the Cavaliers 23-22 in bench scoring.GeorgiaTech (Feb. 9) held a 17-10 edge in bench scoring and Clemson’s (Feb. 15)bench outscored UVa’s 23-9. Wake Forest’s bench outscored Virginia’s againon March 2, 27-16.
In addition, the Cavaliers have had 29 double digit performancesoff the bench this season. Virginia has had at least one player score indouble figures off the bench in 23 of 30 games this season. On fiveoccasions, 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.
Forcing Turnovers
The Cavaliers have forced their opponents into 20 or more turnoversin 17 of 30 games this season. The Cavaliers are 12-5 when opponents turnthe ball over 20 or more times in a game. Virginia is 16-6 when opponentshave 18 or more turnovers. UVa’s opponents are averaging 19.8 turnoversper game (594 in 30 games) in 1999-2000. In ACC regular-season play, theopposition averaged 18.9 turnovers per game (302 in 16 games).
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 107 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).
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).
Good Defense Against the Tar Heels
North Carolina entered its February 20 game with Virginia leadingthe nation in field goal percentage. The Tar Heels were shooting 50.4percent as a team, but UVa limited North Carolina to 43.3 percent (26-60)shooting from the field and forced 16 turnovers.
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 |
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).
Among the NCAA Statistical Leaders
Virginia is ranked among the NCAA leaders as a team in scoringoffense. The Cavaliers are scoring an average of 80.5 points per game.
Virginia Has Winning Record in ACC Despite Opponents’ Shooting
Virginia compiled a 9-7 record in the ACC during the regular seasonand tied for third in the conference standings despite being outshot fromthe field by its opponents 49.0 percent (449-917) to 43.2 percent(441-1021) in 16 conference games. Virginia was outshot in 11 of 16conference games, but still managed to win four of those games in which itwas outshot. The only games in which UVa outshot the ACC opposition wereGeorgia Tech (Jan. 8), Wake Forest (Jan. 30), N.C. State (Feb. 12 ),Clemson (Feb.15) and North Carolina (Feb.20). Virginia won all five ofthose games. The Cavaliers held a 45.2 percent (28-62) to 40.8percent (20-49) advantage in the first Georgia Tech game. Against WakeForest, UVa held a 48.4 to 45.6 percent shooting edge in that victory. Inthe N.C. State game on Feb. 12, Virginia shot 44.9 percent to 44.1 percentfor the Wolfpack. Against Clemson on Feb. 15, UVa outshot the Tigers 45.1percent to 37.5 percent, and the Cavaliers outshot North Carolina 44.9percent to 43.3 percent on Feb. 20.
Over 200 Three-Point Field Goals
Virginia has made 203 three-point field goals this season, thefourth time the Cavaliers have made over 200 field goals in a season. UVais shooting 32.9 percent (203-617) from three-point range this season.
The 203 three-point field goals ties for third on Virginia’sall-time list for three-point field goals in a season. The Cavaliers madea record 232 three-point field goals during the 1994-95 season and made 205during the 1996-97 season. UVa made 203 three-point field goals lastseason.
School Record for Steals
The Cavaliers established a school record for steals this season.UVa currently has 261 steals, an average of 8.7 steals per game. Theprevious record was established last season with 257 steals for an averageof 8.6 per game. On five different occasions this season, Virginiahas registered 15 steals in a game, which ties for 11th place on UVa’ssingle game steals list.
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 Cavaliers’30 games during the 1999-2000 season. Virginia is 6-2 in games this seasonwith 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 used the lineup of Dersch, Williams, Watson, Hand and Hall13 times in a 14-game stretch.
Gillen altered the starting lineup against Duke (Feb. 5) bystarting Mason in place of Dersch. Hall, Williams, Watson and Hand roundedout the starting lineup. That lineup has started seven of the last ninegames. It is the same starting lineup used against St. John’s (Dec. 4).
Dersch returned to the starting lineup on Senior Night (March 4)against Maryland. Hand, Mason, Watson and Williams were the otherstarters, the same lineup that started against Clemson on January 15.
In the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament against North CarolinaState (March 10), UVa started Dersch, Williams, Watson, Hall and Hand.
Virginia’s Shooting
The Cavaliers are shooting 45.3 percent (843-1862) from the fieldin the 1999-2000 season. If you subtract UVa’s three-point field goalshooting (32.9 percent, 203-617), the Cavaliers are hitting an outstanding51.4 percent (640-1245) from the floor.
Virginia ranked fourth in the ACC in field goal percentage duringthe regular season.
Virginia has shot 50 percent or better from the field in five of 30games this season. UVa has shot 45 percent or better in 17 games.
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 points in an ACC game since a 100-82 triumph over Clemson inthe 1992-93 season.
Two Players with Double-Doubles
Two Virginia players had double-doubles in the Cavaliers’ 90-74victory at North Carolina on February 20. Sophomore Chris Williams finishedthe game with 16 points and a season-high 12 rebounds, and freshman TravisWatson had a game-high 18 points and 11 rebounds. The double-double wasWilliams’ first of the year and the seventh for Watson.
It’s the first time two Virginia players had double-doubles in thesame game since Williams and Donald Hand had double-doubles in Virginia’s64-54 victory over Wake Forest at University Hall on February 3, 1999.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 is averaging 16.1 points per game over the last 24 games(386 points). During the 24-game stretch, Williams is shooting 51.7percent (140-271) from the floor. He has made 79 of 113 free throws (69.9percent) in the last 24 games. Williams, the 1998-99 ACC Rookie of theYear, is also averaging 6.1 rebounds (147), 2.0 assists (49), and 1.6steals (39) a game during the 24-game stretch.
After going six games without making a three-point field goal(0-9), Williams has made 25 of 56 attempts (44.6 percent) from beyond thearc in the last 17 contests. Overall, he is 31-85 (36.5 percent) fromthree-point range.
Williams has scored in double figures in 11 consecutive games. Hehas reached double digits in 21 of his last 22 games.
On the season, Williams is first on the team in scoring at 15.2points per game and is second in field goal percentage (51.7 percent). Heis first on the team in steals (50) and is second in rebounding (6.1 rpg.).In ACC games only during the regular season, Williams ranked ninth in theconference in scoring (16.2 ppg.).
As a freshman in 1998-99, Williams averaged 16.8 points and 7.5rebounds per game.
Hand Named ACC Co-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 351 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 129 assists (4.3 apg.) this season.
In addition to leading the team in assists, Hand is also second onthe team in scoring at 14.8 points per game. He averaged 15.5 points pergame in conference play during the regular season. He leads the team with49 three-point field goals and is shooting 31.6 percent from three-pointrange. Hand is also shooting 74.3 percent (127-171) from the free throwline. He has one 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 a double-double, the third ofhis career, against Hampton (Dec. 10) with 15 points and 11 assists.Hand’s 11 assists established a new career high. His previous career highwas nine assists against Duke (Jan. 24, 1998). It is Hand’s firstdouble-double in points and assists. His first two double-doubles camelast season against Wake Forest (Feb. 3) – 25 points, 11 rebounds, andGeorgia Tech (Feb. 25) – 28 points, 13 rebounds.
Getting to the Line
During the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season, Virginiajunior guard Donald Hand was second among all ACC players in free throwsmade (124) and attempted (168). For the season, Hand has made 127 of 171free throw attempts (74.3 percent).
For his career, Hand has made 321 of 417 free throw attempts (77.0percent). He led the ACC in free throw percentage last year (162-188, 86.2percent).
Lots of Threes
Junior guard Donald Hand is currently sixth on Virginia’s careerlist for three-point field goals made with 117. Richard Morgan (1986-89)is fifth on the list with 132.
Hand leads Virginia with 49 three-point field goals this season.
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.
Watson Named ACC Rookie of the Week Twice
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 then career-high 18 points in UVa’s76-67 win at Wake Forest. He added six rebounds and three assists againstthe Demon Deacons.
Watson earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors for the second timethis season for his play in Virginia’s victories over Clemson (Feb. 15) andNorth Carolina (Feb. 20). Watson scored 27 points and grabbed 15 reboundsin the two games. He was 11-18 (61.1 percent) from the field and 5-9 (55.6percent) from the free throw line in the two games.
In UVa’s 76-62 victory at home over Clemson, Watson scored ninepoints and grabbed four rebounds. He scored 18 points and had 11 reboundsfor his seventh double-double of the season in Virginia’s 90-76 win atNorth Carolina. He was 8-12 (66.7 percent) from the field and 2-3 (66.7percent) from the free throw line against the Tar Heels.
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 18 of 30 games thisseason. He is averaging a team best 8.2 rebounds per game. He has been indouble figures in rebounds eight times. Watson grabbed a career-high 16rebounds in the ACC opener against Duke (Jan. 5).
In addition to leading the team in rebounding, Watson is tops onthe club in blocked shots with 28, which includes a career-high five blocksagainst Dartmouth (Jan. 2). He also leads the team in field goalpercentage at 52.8 percent (130-246) and is third in scoring at 11.1 pointsper game. Watson is fifth on the team in steals with 27. He has led theteam in scoring five times, and has seven double-doubles in points andrebounds.
Second to Sampson
Freshman forward/center Travis Watson is currently second to RalphSampson on Virginia’s list for average rebounds per game by a freshmansince the restoration of freshman eligibility in the 1972-73 season.Sampson averaged 11.2 rebounds a game during his freshman season in1979-80. Watson is currently averaging 8.2 rebounds a game.
Virginia’s top five freshman rebounders since the 1972-73 season are:
| Ralph Sampson | 1972-73 | 11.2 |
| Travis Watson | 1999-2000 | 8.2 |
| Marc Iavaroni | 1974-75 | 7.9 |
| Chris Williams | 1998-99 | 7.5 |
| Wally Walker | 1972-73 | 6.8 |
Here’s a look at the top single game rebounding performances by aUVa freshman since the 1972-73 season:
| Ralph Sampson | 22 | vs. Old Dominion (12/29/79) |
| Ralph Sampson | 21 | vs. Va. Tech (1/14/80) |
| Ralph Sampson | 20 | vs. Maryland (1/16/80) |
| Ralph Sampson | 18 | vs. Clemson (2/28/80) |
| Wally Walker | 17 | vs. Wake Forest (2/10/73) |
| Travis Watson | 16 | vs. Duke (1/5/00) |
**There have been six 15-rebound performances by UVa freshmen in a game,including one by Watson (Jan. 12).
Dondon Turns in Outstanding Performances
Junior forward Stephane Dondon obviously likes to play againstFlorida State. In two games against the Seminoles this season, Dondon hasscored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. He is 8-10 from the field (80.0percent), including 2-3 (66.7 percent) from three-point range, and 11-12(91.7 percent) from the free throw line against Florida State. Dondon alsohas three steals, two blocked shots and one assist in 48 minutes of actionin the two games.
In UVa’s 86-81 victory over the Seminoles at University Hall (Jan.26), Dondon scored 14 points and had seven rebounds. He made five of sixattempts from the floor (1-2 threes) and made three of four free throws.He added one assist and one steal in a career-high 27 minutes of playingtime.
In Virginia’s 71-64 loss at Florida State (Feb. 26), Dondon scoreda career-high 15 points and grabbed five rebounds. He was 3-4 from thefield, including 1-1 from three-point range, and he made all eight of hisfree throw attempts. He also had two steals and two blocked shots in 21minutes of action.
Dondon had a career-high eight rebounds in UVa’s victory over N.C.State at University Hall on February 12. Dondon is averaging 2.9 reboundsa game for the season, but is averaging 4.1 (61) rebounds a game in thelast 15 games.
Friel Scores Fast Against UNC
Junior guard Keith Friel came off the Virginia bench to provide theCavaliers with instant offense in the second half of UVa’s 90-76 victoryover North Carolina on February 20. Friel entered the game for the firsttime with 11:18 left to play and Virginia leading 52-44. He made athree-point field goal with 10:44 remaining to give UVa a 55-44 lead andthen made another at the 10:02 mark for a 58-46 lead. Friel made yetanother three-point field goal with 9:36 left in the game to extend theVirginia lead to 61-46. That’s three three-point field goals for Friel ina span of 1:42. He also made two free throws at the 9:09 mark (63-46 UValead) before leaving the game with 7:40 left to play.
Friel did not play again, but he had provided the Cavaliers withthe offensive lift they needed, scoring 11 points in the 3:38 he played.
Friel Finds the Range
In the last 20 games, junior guard Keith Friel has made 33 of his75 three-point field goal attempts (44.0 percent). His best outings cameagainst Belmont (Dec. 28) when he made four of eight attempts, versusDartmouth (Jan. 2) when he drilled four of five three-point tries andagainst North Carolina (Feb. 20) when he made three of four attempts.
Prior to the last 20 games, Friel had connected on 11 of 32three-point attempts (34.4 percent).
On the season, Friel is 44 for 107 from beyond the three-point arc(41.1 percent). He has 53 field goals and 44 are three-pointers. Friel’sthird basket against Maryland (Feb. 2) was a two-pointer and it broke astring of 16 consecutive field goals that were threes. He is also 27 for30 (90.0 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).
Hall on Defense
Sophomore guard Adam Hall consistently draws the opposing team’stop perimeter scorer as his defensive assignment and he did a masterful jobin Virginia’s 76-62 victory over Clemson on February 15. Hall andVirginia’s team defense limited the Tigers’ Will Solomon, the leadingscorer (21.6 ppg.) in the Atlantic Coast Conference entering the game, to13 points. Solomon had just two points in the first half as UVa surged to a38-21 halftime lead. For the game, he was 4-13 from the field, including2-7 from three-point range, and was 3-6 from the free throw line.
Solomon scored 43 points against UVa in a 98-91 Virginia win atClemson on January 15. Hall did not play in that game.
In addition to his defensive work on Solomon, Hall scored 10points, grabbed six rebounds, had two assists and three turnovers in 29minutes of playing time. He was 3-4 from the field, including 2-3 fromthree-point range, and was 2-2 from the free throw line.
Hall is second on the team in steals (45).
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 nine of his last 16 contests.
Despite the inconsistent scoring, Hall has shot very well from thefield in his last 22 games. He has shot an impressive 51.2 percent fromthe field (88-172). He has also made 23 of his last 63 three-pointattempts (36.5 percent) after starting the season one for 11 (9.1 percent).Hall’s three-point basket with 25.8 seconds left in overtime againstMaryland (March 4) gave the Cavaliers the lead for good (87-86) against theTerrapins. UVa went on to win 89-87.
On the season, Hall is shooting 50.5 percent (108-214) from thefield, but is struggling at the free throw line having made 42 of 79attempts (53.2 percent). However, in his last 15 games, Hall has made 22of 35 attempts from the free throw line (62.9 percent).
Senior in Starting Lineup Equals Success
Virginia’s lone senior, guard/forward Willie Dersch, started 14consecutive games from December 8 through February 2. The Cavalierscompiled an 11-3 record with Dersch in the starting lineup for those 14games. Dersch has also started Virginia’s last two games (a victory overMaryland on March 4 and a loss to North Carolina State in the ACCTournament quarterfinals on March 10). Overall, UVa is 12-5 with Dersch asa starter. The Cavaliers lost to Minnesota (Nov. 30) in Dersch’s firststart of the season. After the Minnesota game, Dersch did not start in thenext game against St. John’s (12/4). He made his return to the startinglineup against Loyola (12/8) and started 14 consecutive games.
On the year, Dersch is averaging 3.9 points per outing and isshooting 47.8 percent (43-90) from the floor. He is averaging 1.4 reboundsper game and possesses a 2.1 to 1 assist to turnover ratio.
Mapp Sets Career High
Freshman guard Majestic Mapp established a new career high byscoring 12 points in the Cavaliers’ 98-91 victory at Clemson (Jan. 15). Hemade three of eight attempts from the field (2-7 on threes) and convertedall four free throws. Mapp also tallied three assists and two steals withno 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 as a Starter
Freshman guard Roger Mason has started eight of Virginia’s lastnine games. In those eight starts, he averaged 9.5 points (76 points), 2.4rebounds (19) and 1.8 assists (14) a game. He shot 47.2 percent (25-53)from the field, including 23.1 percent (3-13) from three-point range, and88.5 percent (23-26) from the free throw line. He also averaged 27.4minutes of playing time (219), 1.0 steals (8) and 1.9 turnovers (15) agame. Mason scored in double figures in five of the eight games.
Mason Named ACC Rookie of the Week
Guard Roger Mason turned in a pair of terrific performances inUVa’s ACC games against Duke (Jan. 5) and Georgia Tech (Jan. 8) and wasnamed the ACC 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 16 ACC regular-season games, Mason averaged 8.9 points per gameand shot 44.0 percent (44-100) from the field. He made 12 of 31three-point attempts (38.7 percent) and was 43 for 49 (87.8 percent) fromthe free throw line. He had 32 rebounds, 24 assists and 16 steals to hiscredit while committing 26 turnovers in 375 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 drought that spanned 7:21. (Mason also made the lastbasket before the drought 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 30 of Virginia’s games.
Watson has started 29 games for the Cavaliers and is the team’sleading rebounder (8.2 rpg.) and third leading scorer (11.1 ppg.). He alsoleads the team in blocked shots (28) and in field goal percentage at 52.8percent (130-246, players with at least 20 field goals attempted), and isfifth in steals (27). Watson is averaging 28.0 minutes of playing time agame.
Mason is averaging 7.7 points and 2.2 rebounds a game. He isaveraging 21.3 minutes of playing time a game, and has 38 assists and 30steals. He has started 10 games, including eight of the last nine.
Mapp is averaging 5.4 points and 0.9 rebound a game while playing18.5 minutes per contest. He has started two games and is shooting 33.3percent (24-72) from three-point range. Mapp has 66 assists and 51turnovers, and also has 23 steals.
You have to go back to the 1984-85 season to find three Virginiafreshmen who played comparable minutes to Mapp, Mason and Watson. Thethree freshmen playing comparable minutes for the Cavaliers during the1984-85 season were Mel Kennedy (22.8 mpg.), Darrick Simms (20.8 mpg) andJohn Johnson (16.6 mpg.).
Spreading the Minutes Around
True to his word, head coach Pete Gillen is going deep into hisbench in 1999-2000. After 30 games, Virginia has nine players averagingdouble figures in minutes. Only sophomore forward Chris Williams andjunior guard Donald Hand are averaging 30 minutes of playing time per game.Williams is averaging 31.7 minutes per game, while Hand is averaging 30.4minutes per outing.
Only three other players, freshman forward/center Travis Watson(28.0), sophomore guard Adam Hall (25.2) and freshman guard Roger Mason(21.3), are averaging more than 20 minutes per contest. The other playersaveraging double figure minutes are: freshman guard Majestic Mapp (18.5),junior forward Stephane Dondon (13.6), junior guard Keith Friel (12.1),and senior forward Willie Dersch (11.1). Junior center Colin Ducharme isaveraging 7.0 minutes per game.
Ducharme Sixth on Blocked Shot List
Junior center Colin Ducharme is currently in sixth place onVirginia’s all-time blocked shot list with 88. Junior Burrough (1992-95)is fifth with 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.
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 30 games this season, UVa has shot 67.9 percent (526-775)from the free throw line. The Cavaliers have shot over 65 percent from thecharity stripe 19 times this season, but have eclipsed that mark in 18 ofthe last 25 contests.
In ACC regular-season play, UVa’s free throw percentage improved to69.5 percent (287-413). In 16 regular-season conference contests, theCavaliers shot better than 70 percent eight 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).
Eleven Different Double Figure Scorers
In the first 30 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).
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.
Virginia Rallies Past Maryland in Overtime
Sophomore Adam Hall made a three-point basket with 25.8 secondsremaining to give Virginia the lead for good as the Cavaliers rallied foran 89-87 overtime victory over 17th-ranked Maryland at University Hall onMarch 4. The victory snapped a nine-game ACC winning streak by theTerrapins.
UVa trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half and stilltrailed by nine points (70-61) with 5:55 left in the game before rallyingfor the victory. The Cavaliers outscored the Terrapins 15-6 over the last5:55 to force overtime. Hall made two free throws with 35.2 seconds leftin regulation to force the overtime period. Five different players scoredfor Virginia during the run with sophomore Chris Williams contributing fivepoints.
Freshman Travis Watson scored five points and Hall added four inthe overtime period. After Hall’s three-point basket gave the Cavaliers an87-86 lead, freshman Roger Mason made two free throws with 10.6 secondsremaining to extend the UVa lead to three points (89-86).
Hall and Williams each scored 16 points to lead five Virginiaplayers in double figures. Watson added 15 points and a game-high ninerebounds, Mason scored 13 points and junior Donald Hand added 11.
Veterans Willie Dersch and Colin Durcharme also played a valuablerole in the victory. Dersch, the team’s only senior, started on SeniorNight and scored six points in 11 minutes of action. Ducharme, a red-shirtjunior, contributed six points and six rebounds in 10 minutes of playingtime off the bench.
Danny Miller led five Maryland players in double figures with 20points.
Virginia out-rebounded the Terrapins 41-36 and the Cavaliers forced20 turnovers. UVa won despite shooting 39.4 percent from the field (26-66)compared to Maryland’s 55.0 percent (33-60). The Cavaliers were 32-43 fromthe free throw line (74.4 percent), while Maryland was 16-23 (69.6 percent).
The victory broke a five-game Virginia losing streak to the Terrapins.
Virginia Loses to N.C. State in ACC Tournament
North Carolina State jumped to an early lead and five Wolfpackplayers scored in double figures in a 76-65 victory over Virginia in thequarterfinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament (March 10).
N.C. State led 15-2 just 5:05 into the game and led 36-27 athalftime. UVa rallied with a 15-4 run over the first 3:21 of the secondhalf to take a 42-40 lead when guard Donald Hand made three free throwswith 16:39 left to play. State’s Damien Wilkins made a three-point basketas the shot clock was winding down on the Wolfpack’s next possession togive State the lead for good.
Forward Chris Williams led Virginia with 13 points and sixrebounds, while forward Stephane Dondon scored 11 points and guard KeithFriel added 10.
Wilkins led N.C. State with 17 points.
UVa Defeats North Carolina Twice
Virginia defeated North Carolina 90-76 in Chapel Hill, N.C., onFebruary 20. The victory was the first for the Cavaliers in the Dean E.Smith Center after 14 consecutive losses and was UVa’s first in Chapel Hillsince 1981. The win also enabled the Cavaliers to win both of theregular-season games with North Carolina for the first time since 1981.Virginia defeated the Tar Heels 87-85 in Charlottesville on January 18.
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 losses to St. John’s (Dec.4) and Georgia Tech (Feb. 9), marking the only times this season Virginiahas not had at least three players score in double figures in a game. Lastseason, Virginia failed to have at least three players score in doublefigures four times and won only one of those contests (a 65-58 win overClemson on January 17, 1999).
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)
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./Yr. | 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 |