Virginia dominates Arkansas in Washington
No. 9 Cavaliers beat No. 12 Razorbacks 91-72 in their first matchup in the capital, holding a double-digit lead for most of the game.
By Elena Greco ·
Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points as No. 9 Virginia beat No. 12 Arkansas 91-72 on Sunday.
The Cavaliers played in front of a crowd at their home arena in Washington. This marked the first time the Razorbacks have ever played a game in the District of Columbia. A 1985 meeting between these teams took place in Landover, Maryland.
Arkansas fans traveled in large numbers, creating a split crowd atmosphere. The visitors could not keep the pace with the home team.
De Ridder led the scoring for Virginia alongside Sam Lewis, who also finished with 16 points. Johann Grunloh and Chance Mallory each added 15 points. Nolan Adekunle contributed 13 points for the Cavaliers.
Jordan Smith Jr. was the top scorer for the losing team. He finished with 19 points for the Razorbacks.
Virginia built a commanding lead in the first half. The Cavaliers entered the break ahead 46-27. The lead grew to 27 points during the second half.
A pair of birds landed on the court during a stoppage in the second half. Players chased the birds off the floor before play resumed.
In another game at the Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic in Stateline, Nevada, No. 10 Houston defeated California 86-68. Dedan Thomas Jr. scored 20 points and provided eight assists for Houston. Joseph Tugler added 16 points and four blocked shots.
The Cougars shot 52% from the field. They outscored the Golden Bears 50-24 in the paint. Mady Cooper led California with 19 points. The team made nine of its 26 attempts from beyond the three-point line.
No. 13 St. John's beat Iona 105-65 at Madison Square Garden. Tounde Yessoufou scored 23 points in his first start for the Red Storm. He shot 9 of 14 from the floor and made four three-pointers.
Ian Jackson added 17 points. He scored the team's first nine points and hit three three-pointers in the opening minutes. St. John's has scored at least 100 points in three games this season.
No. 21 USC defeated Wichita State 93-86 in Stateline, Nevada. Rodney Rice recorded 32 points and nine assists. Alijah Arenas added 30 points for the Trojans. The team made only two three-pointers in the game.
