University of Houston Athletics
Photo by: Joe Buvid
Houston Continues Rise in National Rankings
12/31/2018 1:39:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Cougars move to #4 in NCAA NET rankings, #17 in USA TODAY Coaches’ poll & #19 in Associated Press Poll
HOUSTON – After completing their non-conference schedule with an undefeated record, the University of Houston Men's Basketball program continued its rise in both national polls and the latest NCAA NET rankings Monday.Coming off an 80-59 win over NJIT on Saturday inside the Fertitta Center for their 26th straight home victory, the Cougars collected 233 points to move to No. 17 in the USA TODAY Coaches' poll. Houston earned 368 points to rise to No. 19 in the Associated Press poll.
It was the highest the Cougars have been ranked in the AP poll since the 1983-84 team finished the season at No. 5.
As one of only four undefeated teams remaining in the nation under 2018 American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars also moved to No. 4 in the latest NET rankings released daily by the NCAA. The NET rankings replaced RPI as the primary sorting tool for evaluating teams.
The system relies on game results, strength of schedule, game location, scoring margin, net offensive and defensive efficiency and qualities of wins and losses.
It was approved in July after consultation with the Division I Men's Basketball committee, National Association of Basketball Coaches, top basketball analytics and Google Cloud Professional Services.
This marked the fourth straight week in 2018-19 and the 134th week in program history that the Cougars were ranked by at least one national poll.
UP NEXT
• The Cougars continue their season-long, seven-game homestand and open American Athletic Conference play when they play host to Tulsa at 7 p.m., Wednesday, inside the Fertitta Center.
• The homestand wraps up when Houston takes on Memphis at 5 p.m., Sunday, inside the Fertitta Center.
BUY TICKETS
Fans can purchase mini-plans and single-game tickets online at UHCougars.com/tickets or by calling the Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647).
Mini-plans start at only $40 with single-game tickets beginning for as low as $12 for non-conference games and $10 for American Athletic contests.
JOIN the 50-50-CLUB
Fans are invited to join the 50-50 Club to support Houston Men's Basketball. 50-50 Club members help fund program necessities and enhance the experience for our student-athletes.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered team apparel, a signed basketball, invitations to practice, a tour of the $25 million Guy V. Lewis Development Facility, regular updates about the program and much more.
To join the 50-50 Club, fans can call 713-743-9742 or email UHMensBasketball@uh.edu. For more information about the 50-50 Club, levels of giving and benefits, fans can click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team' Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
– UHCougars.com –
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