Virginia rises to No. 6 after Arkansas win

Virginia improved to 3-0 and climbed three places in the poll after its victory over Arkansas. The Cavaliers trail Florida, Duke, Illinois, UConn and Michigan State. In the ACC, Duke is No. 2, Louisville No. 10 and Miami No. 17; North Carolina also received votes. Kentucky and Marquette, both Virginia opponents, received votes as well.

Virginia’s starters all scored in double figures against Arkansas, and the team led by 27 in the second half. The Cavaliers also used Elijah Gertrude and Sam Lewis at point guard, showing they could adjust their lineups while maintaining defensive options, the team’s early performances indicated.

The win followed victories over Drexel, 89-60, and Northeastern, 97-72. Virginia scored 25 points in transition against Drexel. Chance Mallory then scored a career-high 20 points against Northeastern, as the Cavaliers made a series of three-pointers.

Kalu Anya contributed six rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal against Arkansas, along with three points. The Cavaliers’ next challenge will test whether their strong start and flexible lineups can hold up as the season continues.