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College Basketball ACC Power Rankings: Week 13

By Charlie Maikis

Jan 21, 2017; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard London Perrantes (32) dribbles the ball as Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Josh Heath (11) defends during the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 62-49. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard London Perrantes (32) dribbles the ball as Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Josh Heath (11) defends during the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 62-49. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 29, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Donte DiVincenzo (10) scores the game winning basket in front of Virginia Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (11) and guard Marial Shayok (4) at Wells Fargo Center. The Wildcats won 61-59. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Donte DiVincenzo (10) scores the game winning basket in front of Virginia Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (11) and guard Marial Shayok (4) at Wells Fargo Center. The Wildcats won 61-59. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
1

Virginia Cavaliers

Last week: 16-4, 6-2 ACC
Last rank: 4

Up in the top spot despite taking a loss this week is Tony Bennett’s Virginia Cavaliers. That lone loss was by two points on a tip-in at the buzzer to the No. 1 team in the country and reigning national champion. Virginia has to be disappointed as they led by as many as 12 with 10 minutes left, but they fell victim to a Villanova 3-point barrage. The Wildcats went 4-4 on 3s between the 8:00 and 4:00 minute marks, and when they get on a run like that, not even the best defense in the nation can stop them. While London Perrantes followed up a great game in their win over Notre Dame with a 2-11 dud against Nova, Virginia has to be encouraged by the play of backup point guard Ty Jerome. He had a team-high 15 points and was the Cavs go-to guy down the stretch. Having an option like that should allow Bennett some flexibility and moving Perrantes off the ball to take advantage of his spot-up shooting and gravity around the court. Having him flying off screens and bending the defense could be a good move for them as they look to ramp up the offensive production down the stretch.

Next: Xavier loses Edmond Sumner for the season

Marial Shayok was also impressive against Villanova despite being hounded by great defenders like Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Kris Jenkins for most of the game. He was able to get whatever he wanted, knocking down shots in the midrange and getting to the rim seemingly at will. If Virginia can continue to play like that, this loaded week of playing Virginia Tech, Syracuse, and Louisville shouldn’t be too much for them to handle. By the time the game against Louisville comes Monday night, the two could be battling for the top spot in the ACC standings.