November 22, 1998

Box Score

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - John Celestand scored 21 points, making five of seven 3-pointers, to lead Villanova to a 76-63 rout of No. 19 Arkansas in the championship game of the Top of the World Classic on Sunday.

The Wildcats (4-0) shot 60 percent for the game, including 10-for-17 on 3-pointers. Brian Lynch was 4-for-5 from 3-point range for 17 points.

The Razorbacks (4-1) were flat from the start, shooting 45 percent, including just 6-for-21 on 3-pointers. Sergerio Gipson had 15 points and Chris Walker scored 13 to lead Arkansas. Howard Brown added 17 for Villanova.

The Wildcats jumped out to a 7-0 lead and led the entire first half by as much as 21 points. They shot 60 percent from the floor, which included 6-for-12 from 3-point territory. Celestand scored nine, all on 3-pointers.

At the other end, the Razorbacks struggled with 42 percent shooting, including 3-for-11 on 3-pointers. Arkansas scored seven straight points late in the half to cut Villanova's lead to 43-29.