Undefeated BYU moves up to No. 16 in latest AP Top 25

PROVO, Utah – BYU women’s basketball moved up to No. 16 in the Associated Press Top 25 on Monday – the highest ranking in program history.

"Being ranked gives you some national recognition and helps with recruiting, scheduling and for people to know what type of program you have," head coach Jeff Judkins said. "It really doesn’t mean a whole lot right now, but it can help us get some opportunities to get to the NCAA tournament. It also means you have a bullseye on your back now and everyone wants to beat you. But you know, we are happy and these girls deserve the recognition. They have worked hard and gone through a lot. I am happy for the seniors and for the girls that came back for another year. It is really just getting started for us and we know we have a long way to go."

The undefeated Cougars moved up five spots from No. 21 after defeating Utah 85-80 on the road at the Huntsman Center on Saturday. At 8-0, it is the first time BYU has been ranked in back-to-back weeks since 2012.

The win over the Utes marked BYU’s fourth win over a Power 5 program this year after topping Arizona State, No. 17 Florida State and No. 22 West Virginia. The Cougars also beat Fresno State, the favorite to win the Mountain West Conference earlier this season.

BYU’s previous high was No. 18 in for two weeks in February of 2006. The Cougars appeared in the AP Top 25 for nine weeks that year finished with a record of 26-6 and ranked No. 22 in the final poll.

Next up, BYU plays on the road Friday, Dec. 10 at Oklahoma, who is receiving votes in the AP poll at 7-1. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on Sooner Sports TV.