SPOKANE, Wash. – The Washington State Cougars men’s basketball team secured a home victory against Stanford on Saturday, marking their return to the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2008. As Gonzaga exits the rankings, Wazzu steps in, receiving 215 votes and earning the No. 21 spot following their impressive 72-59 win.
The last time the Cougars graced the Top 25, Coach Tony Bennett led the team, aiming for a coveted spot in the tournament. While WSU endured a 16-year absence from the rankings, they currently hold the title for the second-longest NCAA Tournament drought.
With an impressive record of 20-6, including victories in 10 of their last 11 games, seven of which were consecutive, the Cougars are on a winning streak.
Their next challenge awaits them on Thursday, Feb. 22, against the impressive No. 4 University of Arizona at the McKale Center in Tucson. The Wildcats, with a notable 33-4 record in the 2021-22 season, aim to rebound after falling short in the Sweet Sixteen.
Looking ahead, WSU faces tough competition in Pullman, with USC, UCLA, and UW expected to deliver thrilling matchups in the coming weeks.
For the full AP Top 25, click here.
