Virginia Routs Arkansas and Enters Top 10

Virginia used its returning experience to overpower Arkansas, winning 91-72 at Capital One Arena in Washington on November 8. The Cavaliers made 12 three-pointers, shot 46% from the field and built a lead of as many as 27 points against an Arkansas squad projected to place third in the SEC.

Thijs De Ridder, Virginia’s leading player, recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds. The Cavaliers returned four of their six leading scorers from last season’s 30-win team, and second-year coach Ryan Odom has assembled a top-10 roster despite its spending ranking outside the national top 30.

Virginia stood at No. 9 in the November 9 Top 25 And 1, with a 3-0 record. Retaining established stars can cost less than bringing in players from the transfer portal, and Virginia could challenge Duke and Louisville in the ACC despite those programs spending more than $5 million extra on their rosters.

Florida remained No. 1 and Duke No. 2. November 10’s slate includes Florida at Florida State, Duke against Michigan State, No. 3 Illinois at No. 16 Texas Tech, and No. 5 Kansas against No. 19 Kentucky. Virginia’s next game is November 10 against Bucknell.