Cincinnati Bearcats Crack Top 25

Jan 11, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats forward Jermaine Sanders (15) looks to pass in the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward/center Kadeem Jack (11) at FifthThird Arena. Cincinnati defeated Rutgers 71-51. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bearcats broke into the Top 25 this week in both the AP Top 25 and the USA Today Coaches Poll. This is the first time this season the Bearcats have been ranked this season. With a 15-2 record and winners of their last 8 games it was hard to make a case for the Bearcats not to be in the Top 25.

Cincinnati moved from being unranked in the AP Poll up to the 19th spot this following losses by seven teams toward the back of last weeks poll. The USA Today Coaches Poll has bee the hardest poll for the Bearcats to get respect in and even this week they only broke into the Top 25 in the 23rd spot.

Regardless of where they are ranked making it into the Top 25 is great for Cincinnati basketball. After a dismal tournament last season and two shaky games this season against New Mexico and Xavier the Bearcats have seemingly righted the ship winning their last eight games and deploying a smothering defense now that they are in AAC play.

Speaking of the AAC there are now 3 teams from the conference in the Top 25. Cincinnati has beat the Memphis Tigers who are currently ranked one spot in front of them and they face the Louisville Cardinals twice in the span of 22 days come February. The AAC has as many teams in the Top 25 as the new Big East, for what thats worth.

Cincinnati returns to the court Tuesday night against the Temple Owls at 9pm ET on CBSSN.