NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga, Kansas drops, Duke, UNC rises in latest top 25 power ranking

6. Virginia Cavaliers – 15-3 (7-2 ACC)

The Cavaliers were tested this week by a pair of capable opponents in Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. While the results were ultimately the same, it was accomplished in two different ways. Against the Hokies, it was a balanced effort in the 78-68 victory.

All five starters were in double figures in the win, including Ben Vander Plas, who has completely taken over in the frontcourt at the expense of Kaden Shedrick in the frontcourt. He had 10 points and seven rebounds, while point guard Kihei Clark led the team with 20 points on the night.

Against Wake Forest, Virginia was in control for most of the game, leading by double figures at halftime. The Demon Deacons didn’t completely go away but the road favorites were able to pull out the 76-67 victory. Armaan Franklin had 25 points and 10 rebounds on the night, while Isaac McKneely had 11 points and a trio of three-pointers.

In what’s a multi-team race for the ACC regular season title, the Cavaliers have to feel as if they’re in a good spot. They have a chance to be in first place by the end of the week, as long as they take care of their next opponents, Boston College and Syracuse.