College basketball rankings: Experienced Virginia makes big jump in Top 25 And 1 after easy win vs. Arkansas

Ninth-ranked Virginia earned its first top-10 ranking of the season by defeating 12th-ranked Arkansas 91-72 in the Skyscanner Capital Showcase at Capital One Arena in Washington. The victory marked Virginia's third straight win to start the season, improving to 3-0, while Arkansas fell to 1-1. The game, played about 120 miles from Virginia's campus in Charlottesville, featured a dominant performance by the Cavaliers, who led by as many as 27 points. Virginia shot 46.4% from the field, hitting 12 of 32 three-pointers, while Arkansas shot 45.8% overall but committed 15 turnovers. Arkansas coach John Calipari criticized his team's ball movement, saying, "We didn't move the ball" and noting the Razorbacks were held to just 13 points in transition after averaging a program-record 45 in their season opener. Virginia returned 55% of its scoring, 54% of its rebounding and 51% of its minutes from last season's 30-6 team, with ACC preseason player of the year Thijs De Ridder leading the way with 16 points and 10 rebounds. The Cavaliers assisted on 18 of 32 field goals and dominated in points off turnovers (24-6) and second-chance points (28-14). CBS Sports reported that Virginia's ranking jump reflects the team's experienced core, as the program returned four of the top six scorers from last season without losing players to the transfer portal. The win moved Virginia to No. 9 in the latest CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings, while Arkansas will look to bounce back against Robert Morris at Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday night. The victory showcased Virginia's defensive discipline and veteran poise, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Arkansas was held to just 27 points in the first half, with the Razorbacks shooting 10 for 31 and recording only one assist before halftime. The loss marked Arkansas's first of the season after their season-opening blowout victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.