Cavaliers Rise in the Rankings After Impressive Performances

Even after only going 1-1 this past week, Virginia got a big boost in the rankings, jumping multiple spots in each poll. One has to wonder just how high the Cavaliers would have risen had the Big Ragu not gotten a tip in for Villanova at the buzzer.

AP Poll

The Hoos jumped 3 spots in the AP Poll to No. 9 thanks in large part to UNC, UCLA, and Oregon all dropping winnable games this past week. The Top Ten bloodbath that was this last week also allowed Louisville to jump from No. 13 to No. 6 and become the ACC’s highest ranked team. Another former UVa opponent, West Virginia jumped 11 spots from No. 18 to No. 7. At the top, many hot takes will be spilled after Gonzaga finally reaches the pinnacle of rankings.

USA Today Coaches’ Poll

The leap was not quite as big in the Coaches’ Poll only rising to No. 11 from No. 13. The voters did not punish UCLA, UNC, and Oregon like they did in the AP Poll, but did reward Wisconsin with a 6 spot rise after beating Penn State and Rutgers (in OT). Louisville was also given a 7 spot rise to be the ACC’s top ranked team.