Virginia, Purdue rise in men’s poll

Duke was the ACC’s preseason favorite and North Carolina the defending national champion.

The conference leader and highest-ranked team so far: Virginia.

Picked to finish sixth in the ACC preseason poll, the Cavaliers (15-1, 4-0) have been the conference’s most consistent team so far this season behind their still-stifling defense.

Virginia (16-1, 5-0 ACC) moved up a spot to No. 2 and received a first-place vote in the AP Top 25 released on Monday, its highest ranking since reaching No. 2 in the 2014-2015 season.

The Cavaliers, No. 1 in KenPom.com’s defensive efficiency rankings, beat Syracuse and North Carolina State last week.

“They’ve taken care of business, so they’re in this spot,” Virginia Coach Tony Bennett said of his players. “Our pillar in our program is all about humility. It just means knowing who you are. I’ve said this before. They’re very clear on how they have to play. They do it together.”

Villanova remained at the top spot for the second consecutive week, receiving 63 of 65 first-place votes from a media panel. The Wildcats (16-1, 4-1 Big East) moved atop the poll for the second time this season after Michigan State’s loss to Ohio State last week and stayed there after wins over No. 10 Xavier and St. John’s.

Purdue had the other No. 1 vote and moved up two spots to No. 3, its highest ranking since reaching No. 3 in 20092010 after extending its winning streak to 13 games with victories over Michigan and Minnesota. Matt Painter’s Boilermakers (17-2, 6-0 Big Ten) are off to their best start since 1987-1988 and best in the Big Ten since winning the first eight games of 1989-1990.

“They’re playing with a great purpose,” Minnesota Coach Richard Pitino said. “They coach themselves. Matt’s a terrific coach, but you can tell they’re coaching each other.”