Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points as No. 9 Virginia defeated No. 12 Arkansas 91-72 on Sunday in Washington, D.C. The Cavaliers were dominant from the start, with five players contributing double-digit scoring.
Virginia (3-0) held a commanding 46-27 lead at halftime and extended their advantage to as many as 27 points in the second half. Joining De Ridder on the scoreboard were Sam Lewis with 16 points, Johann Grunloh and Chance Mallory with 15 each, and Nolan Adekunle with 13.
Jordan Smith Jr., a Washington native, led the Razorbacks (1-1) with 19 points. Miikka Muurinen, a 7-footer from Finland, added 12 points for Arkansas, including an impressive one-handed dunk in the second half. However, the Razorbacks struggled to keep pace with Virginia's offensive rhythm.
Virginia built its lead with early runs and nailed back-to-back dunks by Grunloh and Lewis late in the first half to secure a 43-25 edge. A 3-pointer from Mallory extended the gap to 19 points heading into the break.
The Razorbacks did find moments of energy, including a highlight-reel dunk from Smith in the first half, which was waived off after a foul was called prior to the shot. The game also featured a brief delay in the second half when birds landed on the court, providing a moment of levity as players helped chase them off.
The matchup marked Arkansas’ first-ever basketball game in Washington, D.C. Previously, the Razorbacks had played in the region during a 1985 contest against Georgetown in nearby Landover, Maryland. Despite a spirited effort from Arkansas fans in the stands, Virginia maintained firm control of the game.
Overall, the game showcased significant international talent. Both teams highlighted a combined six players standing at 7 feet or taller, none of whom are from the United States. For Virginia, Germany’s Grunloh was especially impactful, while Nigeria’s Favour Ibe added a first-half dunk. Meanwhile, Australia’s Maper Maker played significant minutes for the Razorbacks but remained scoreless.
Arkansas looks to rebound when they return home to host Robert Morris on Wednesday night.