Virginia climbed to No. 3 in the latest Associated Press men’s basketball poll, matching its highest ranking from last season when the Hoos swept the ACC titles. Don’t expect the recognition to go to their heads, though.

One thing, after all, that’s been so impressive about this year’s team is how business-like they have been through 11 games. Off to an 11-0 start for the first time since 1992-93, these Cavaliers have won road games at JMU, VCU, and Maryland. They’ve won all six games at home, extending their winning streak at the John Paul Jones Arena to 17 games (eight longest active streak in the nation). They captured the Barclays Classic title.

None of the games have been all that close either. Virginia has trailed in the second half just once (George Washington) and only La Salle has been within double digits on the scoreboard at the end (64-56) with its eight-point loss. UVa’s average margin of victory has been 23.3 points, good enough for fifth in the nation. The most recent win against Harvard was a 49-point destruction that tied for the fifth-largest margin of victory for Virginia during the modern era (since 1938).

Whether it is the confidence gained from last season’s run, the experience on the roster, teamwork, or some other factors, these Cavaliers have been on a tear so far. They know the tougher challenges are ahead, though.

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