Virginia Basketball: 5 Eye-Popping Stats from Cavaliers in 2014-15

The No. 6 Virginia Cavaliers are off to their best start since 2000-01 after improving to 10-0 on Thursday with a win over Cleveland State. The 70-54 win was UVA's ninth win by double digits on the season.

As usual, a stingy defense has led to Virginia's outstanding start. The Cavaliers are at or near the top of several defensive categories.

UVA has been efficient on the offensive end, particularly guard Justin Anderson. Anderson leads the Hoos in scoring, averaging 16 points per game. 

There are several reasons why Virginia is 10-0. Here are five eye-popping statistics that have either led the Cavaliers to their hot start or could cost them at some point during the season. 

All statistical rankings are courtesy of NCAA.com and prior to Virginia's win over Cleveland State on Thursday.

Justin Anderson's 3-Point Percentage

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Anderson

Anderson struggled from beyond the arc in his first two years. He made just 50 of his 168 career attempts before this season. His shot selection was often porous too. 

Not anymore.

Anderson has connected on 22 of 37 attempts thus far in 2014-15, a 59 percent clip. Anderson is one of the top defensive players in the country, so his improved play on the offensive end, particularly from behind the three-point line, makes him one of the more dangerous players in a loaded ACC.

Team's Overall 3-Point Percentage Sans Anderson

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Malcolm Brogdon

While Anderson has been lethal from three-point range, the rest of his team has not. Freshman Marial Shayok is second on the team, shooting just over 40 percent from beyond the arc on 17 attempts.

Malcolm Brogdon, one of the top shooters in the conference and a first-team All-ACC pick last season, has hit just 8 of 30 from downtown. Junior Evan Nolte, arguably the top shooter on the team, was just 3-of-19 before the win over Cleveland State. Nolte did hit two of his three attempts in that victory. 

As a team, UVA is just 32-of-95, good for 33.6 percent on the young season. 

The Hoos will have to improve in this area come ACC play. 

London Perrantes' Total Points

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London Perrantes

In nine games played sophomore point guard London Perrantes has scored a total of 27 points. He's shooting 27 percent from the field and 28 percent from three-point range. 

So what's wrong with him?

It's important to remember Perrantes is a pass-first point guard. However, he is a capable shooter and scorer on any given night. As the season progressed last year Perrantes hit several big shots.

Is the foot injury he suffered in the preseason still nagging him? That doesn't appear to be the case, as Perrantes has looked good handling the ball and his efficiency continues to improve in that area. Against Cleveland State, Perrantes went scoreless again but did dish out five assists versus only two turnovers. 

UVA needs more from Perrantes, especially as the schedule toughens in January. 

Rebound Margin

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Anthony Gill pulls down a rebound in Thursday's win over Cleveland State

The graduation of Akil Mitchell left a big void for Virginia up front. Not only was Mitchell UVA's best rebounder, but he was the Hoos' best defender too.

The answer has proved to be a combination of players upping their performances to replace Mitchell.

Mike Tobey and Anthony Gill both average seven rebounds per game. Senior forward Darion Atkins, also a solid defender, is pulling down six boards per contest. Anderson is fourth on the team, averaging just under five rebounds per game. 

Before Thursday's game against Cleveland State, the Cavaliers were No. 2 in the country in rebound margin, pulling down an average of 14 rebounds per game more than the opposition. 

Scoring Defense

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It's no surprise that Virginia led the nation in scoring defense. Head coach Tony Bennett emphasizes strong defense, and the Cavaliers always deliver. What's astounding, however, is that Virginia is holding opponents to just under 48 points per game, good for tops in the nation.

UVA has held opponents to scores of 36 and 26 points this season. Sure, holding Tennessee State to 36 points is expected, but the Hoos allowed just 26 points to Rutgers—a Big Ten team. 

Keep in mind, Virginia has played strong opponents this season. Maryland and VCU, two teams that like to push the tempo, were held to 65 and 57 points respectively. 

As the ACC season approaches, that average is surely to rise. But don't be surprised if UVA leads the nation in scoring defense once the season is complete.