Virginia rises to No. 1 despite 2nd loss

A loss didn’t keep Virginia from rising to No. 1 in the Associated Press men’s poll for the first time in more than 35 years.

The Cavaliers rose a slot to sit atop Monday’s Top 25 despite an overtime home loss Saturday to Virginia Tech, part of an upset-filled week.

The Cavaliers (23-2, 12-1 ACC) earned 30 of 65 first-place votes to outdistance No. 2 Michigan State and rise above the turmoil that included last week’s top three teams losing.

St. Mary’s fell four spots to No. 15 after being routed by Gonzaga on Saturday night. The Zags rose three spots to No. 9.

Head coach Tony Bennett’s Cavaliers had been at No. 2 before this season, but this is the first time the program has reached No. 1 since December 1982 — the senior season of 7-foot-4 center Ralph Sampson.

Michigan State (24-3, 12-2 Big Ten) climbed two spots after a weekend win against Purdue in a top-five matchup.

Next came Villanova (23-2, 10-2 Big East), which fell to third after a five-week stay at No. 1. Xavier (23-3, 11-2 Big East) inched up a spot to fourth, followed by Cincinnati (23-2, 12-0 American Athletic).

#14 North Carolina 83, Notre Dame 66: Theo Pinson scored 14 of his 16 points after halftime to go with 10 rebounds, helping the host Tar Heels (20-7, 9-5 ACC) take control late for their third win in five days, including wins over rivals Duke and North Carolina State. Martinas Geben and John Mooney each scored 18 points for the Fighting Irish (15-11, 5-8).

#20 West Virginia 82, TCU 66: Teddy Allen had 16 points, giving the host Mountaineers (19-7, 8-5 Big 12) a spark off the bench. Desmond Bane had 16 points for the Frogs (17-9, 5-8).

Briefly: Head coach Andy Kennedy and Mississippi (11-14, 4-8 SEC) are parting ways after 12 seasons. Kennedy announced his decision to step down at the end of the season . ... Georgia Tech point guard Jose Alvarado will miss the rest of the season after fracturing his left elbow. He was hurt in Sunday’s 80-69 loss to Duke.