For the first time in school history, the Belmont women's basketball team is ranked in the Associated Press Top 25.
The Bruins (24-3) cracked the poll at No. 24 on Monday.
Belmont became the first OVC team to be ranked in the poll since Tennessee Tech on Dec. 22, 1992.
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Belmont came close last week to being ranked after receiving the 27th-most votes (28). The Bruins received the 28th-most votes (16) the week before that.
This marks the sixth consecutive week the Bruins have received votes in the poll.
"We've looked (at getting ranked) from a motivational angle for sure," first-year Belmont coach Bart Brooks said. "This is a significant moment in the history of our program and speaks volumes to the dedication and commitment of players past and present. I could not be prouder of our team. Given the amount of adversity (injuries and illnesses) we have faced this season, we have continued to support each other and remained accountable each day in practice."
The Bruins gained national attention Dec. 21 when they crushed Vanderbilt 111-74 at Memorial Gym.
That started the Bruins' current win streak, which they stretched to 15 games with a 68-60 win Saturday at Tennessee Tech.
That is the nation's fifth-longest active win streak.
The win over Tennessee Tech also marked the Bruins' 39th consecutive OVC victory. That is the second-longest conference win streak in the nation behind No. 1 Connecticut's American Athletic Conference streak, which stands at 94.
This marks the third straight season Belmont has won at least 24 games. Its 24-3 record is its best since 1993-94.
Belmont ranks in the top 10 nationally in seven statistical categories.
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 and on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.