University of Houston Athletics
Houston Women's Basketball Jumps into National Rankings
2/22/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 22, 2011
HOUSTON - The University of Houston women's basketball team garnered a No. 25 national ranking in the latest USA Today/ESPN Division I Coaches' Poll released Tuesday. The Cougars make their first return to the national rankings since Dec. 28, 2004, while becoming the first Conference USA squad to break into the rankings since UTEP during the 2007-08 season.
"I'm elated, first and foremost because this is the poll that's voted on by our peers and colleagues," said head coach Todd Buchanan. "This means a tremendous amount for the respect they've shown our program and for how far we've come.
"I'm very excited for our kids, who have achieved a lot of things for the first time this season. I'm so proud of my entire staff, and this really reflects how hard they've worked to get us in the realm of the top 25."
For the fifth-straight week, the Cougars also received votes in the latest AP Top 25 poll.
Houston is currently 22-4 overall and improved to 13-0 in C-USA play on Sunday, clinching the regular season title with three games left to play. The Cougars are riding a 13-game winning streak, which ties for the school record set by the 2003-04 squad. Houston's 22 wins this season already tie for the fifth-most victories in a single season in program history.
The Cougars have knocked off four teams who have been ranked or receiving votes this season, with all wins coming away from home. Houston defeated then-No. 21 Nebraska on Dec. 18 by a score of 79-70 at the Duel in the Desert Tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. Houston followed with a 92-80 rout of Louisville the following day, and topped Tulane on Feb. 6 with a 15-point victory. The Cougars posted a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Louisiana Tech on Nov. 23, who is currently receiving votes in both major polls.
Houston looks to remain unbeaten in league action at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Marshall.
