BYU Basketball Enters AP Poll Ranked 23

For the first time since the 2010-2011 season, BYU Men’s Basketball is ranked in the Top 25 of the AP Poll.

The Cougars checked in at number 23 in Monday’s poll, setting up a top 25 showdown versus number two Gonzaga Saturday night in the Marriott Center.

BYU is 21-7 on the season and in the midst of a six-game winning streak. Voters have taken notice of BYU’s strong computer metrics — which include a #19 KenPom ranking and #23 NET ranking — and #1 three-point field goal percentage nationally.

BYU is also setting itself up for a solid NCAA tournament ranking, with the current average at a number eight seed, according to Bracket Matrix. Saturday’s game versus the Zags isn’t a must win to get into the NCAA tournament, but a win would put BYU in the conversation for a six or even five seed depending on how things shake out.

In the meantime, BYU first needs to take business at home Thursday versus a dangerous Santa Clara squad that took down St Mary’s in Moraga earlier in the season.