13. Virginia (16-2)
Three weeks into the new year and we’re still trying to figure out who stacks up in the ACC but Virginia might be showing us that they’re the new answer. The Cavaliers were pushed to the limit in a triple-overtime loss to Virginia Tech on New Year’s Eve but have been very impressive ever since. Ryan Odom has worked wonders in his first year in Charlottesville and this week punctuated that progress even more.
On Tuesday, the Cavaliers added a ranked win, knocking off Louisville 79-70 on the road. Virginia limited a short-handed Cardinals team while getting 19 points from Malik Thomas and 16 out of Johann Grunloh in the win. Another statement was made during the weekend, with Virginia winning 72-68 at SMU. Thomas starred yet again with a 23-point, 11-rebound performance while Thijs De Ridder added 17 points.
Virginia was riding a high after that early conference loss but winning a pair of tough road games this week really shows that this team can be for real in the ACC. Their 5-1 mark is impressive but Odom and company know this is just the beginning, even with three impressive road wins. The Cavaliers host a dangerous North Carolina team next weekend and can’t afford any mistakes.