December 30, 1998

BAKTIMORE (AP) - Chris Williams led a bevy of Virginia long-range bombers with five three-pointers and a game-high 26 points as the Cavaliers defeated Loyola, Md. 89-70, Wednesday at Reitz Arena.

Nearly half of Virginia's 29 baskets were three-pointers, as the Cavaliers hit 13 of 26 from beyond the arc, the fifth time this season the Cavaliers have made at least 10, setting a new school record.

Williams, a 6-foot-6 freshman forward, made nine of 11 shots overall and hit a career-high five of six three-pointers. He made all five of his second-half shots, pacing a Virginia team that shot 67 percent (14-for-21) after the break.

Guard Chezley Watson finished with 20 points, and Adam Hall came off the bench to hit three three-pointers and score 16. Willie Dersch also made two three-pointers to help score eight points.

Virginia averaged about seven three-point baskets in its first 12 games, but the Cavaliers had little trouble getting open for the long shots. They took 17 three-point shots in the first half alone, making seven en route to a 41-31 halftime lead.

During one stretch, six of the seven baskets Virginia made were three pointers, including three from Williams as the Cavaliers slowly pulled away.

Loyola (5-4), meanwhile, struggled against the quicker Cavaliers and had trouble on offense. Guard Jason Rowe led the Greyhounds with 21 points and five assists.