NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Kentucky rises, Wisconsin falls

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Tyler Herro #14 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the CBS Sports Classic at the United Center on December 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

23 of 26

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – DECEMBER 22: Head coach Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers calls. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

4. Virginia Cavaliers

Record: 11-0 (0-0 ACC)

Last Week: No. 4

Watching Virginia play might be painful for some people due to their “slower than molasses pace in January” pace (60.4 possessions per game, slowest nationally) but it would be a mistake to ignore just how talented this team is. The Cavaliers have been absolutely superb so far this season and is one of the only teams in the nation to rank in the top-10 in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency.

On the offensive end, Virginia ranks second in the nation in turnover rate (12.9%), 35th in 3-point percentage (38.4%), and 14th in free throw percentage (77.4%). They simply get it done on the offensive and, unlike the past few seasons, they rarely go through long stretches without scoring. This is due to the awesome ball movement of the offense (59.1% of field goals are off of assists, 34th nationally) and the abilities of a few players to go seek their own shots.

Defensively, well..what else can I say about Virginia’s defense that hasn’t already been said? To put it simply, here is where Virginia ranks in some of the most important defensive categories (out of 353 teams in the nation):

Adjusted Defensive Efficiency: 87.7 (5th nationally)
Defensive EFG%: 42.2% (7th)
Defensive Turnover Rate: 21.7% (53rd)
Defensive Rebounding Rate: 73.9% (83rd)
Opponent 3-point percentage: 24.4% (1st)

Home/NCAA Basketball News