Virginia’s veteran squad proved why it is ranked ninth in the nation, cruising to a 91‑72 victory over Arkansas at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. The game, the highest‑ranked matchup of the opening week, featured the Cavaliers’ experienced roster against the Razorbacks, who entered the contest ranked 12th.
Game summary
Virginia (3‑0) displayed dominance on both ends of the floor, returning 55% of its scoring, 54% of its rebounding and 51% of its minutes from last season’s 30‑6 team. The Cavaliers assisted 18 of 32 field goals and out‑scored Arkansas on turnovers (24‑6) and second‑chance points (28‑14). Their cohesion was evident after the second media timeout, when they pulled away on a 19‑7 run to lead 46‑27 at halftime.
Arkansas (1‑1) briefly led early, but a key decision by Virginia coach Ryan Odom to re‑insert big man Thijs De Ridder despite foul trouble paid off. De Ridder hit a three‑pointer and added a second‑chance basket during a 13‑3 run that gave Virginia a 25‑16 lead with 7:21 left in the first half.
Virginia’s ACC preseason player of the year finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds in 24 minutes, despite picking up three personal fouls. Odom praised De Ridder’s effort, saying, “He did a good job despite the foul trouble.”
Arkansas struggles
Razorback coach John Calipari was blunt on the post‑game show, stating, “We didn’t play like a team,” and noting the lack of ball movement. Arkansas shot 27‑for‑59 (45.8%) from the floor and 7‑for‑19 (36.8%) from three‑point range, while struggling at the free‑throw line (11‑for‑18, 61.1%). The team committed 15 turnovers and managed only one assist in the first half.
Jordan Smith led Arkansas with 19 points on 8‑for‑17 shooting, while Miikka Muurinen added 12, and Billy Richmond, Jeremiah Wilkinson, and Abdou Toure contributed double‑digit scores. The Razorbacks also recorded 10 blocks, with Richmond and Maper Maker each tallying three.
Virginia’s balanced attack
All five Virginia starters scored in double figures. De Ridder led with 16 points, followed by Sam Lewis with 16, Johann Grunloh with 15 (plus five blocks), and Chase Mallory with 15, six assists, and two steals. Nolan Adekunle added 13 points. The Cavaliers shot 32‑for‑69 overall (46.4%) and 12‑for‑32 from three‑point range (37.5%). Odom summed up the performance: “I thought our guys did well. We had a good game and played well overall.”
Looking ahead
Arkansas returns to its home arena, Bud Walton, for its next two games, opening with a matchup against Robert Morris on Wednesday night. Virginia continues its strong start, aiming to maintain its unbeaten record as the season progresses.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
