Arkansas jumps into poll

FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas women’s basketball coach Tom Collen and his Razorbacks broke into the Associated Press Top 25 for the first time this season Monday.

The Razorbacks ran their record to 11-0 after a thrilling, 10-point win over No. 12 Oklahoma in Bud Walton Arena Sunday.

The victory over the ranked opponent coupled with the perfect play of the team saw Arkansas move from seven votes to 111 as they stepped over the threshold into the top 25.

"It’s an honor to be ranked in the poll," said Collen. "It shows that people across the country are starting to recognize our program. The key now as we start our second season (in the Southeastern Conference) is to continue to play at a high level. We have to keep competing and winning.

"This is a good step and a good way to vault us into the SEC season," he added.

Arkansas’ return to the AP Poll is the programs first since the 2007-08 season. That year, Collen guided the Razorbacks to a 15-0 start, the best start in Arkansas history. The Razorbacks jumped into the USA TODAY/ESPN Coaches Poll on Christmas day and moved into the AP Poll at No. 25 in week nine just before the start of SEC play.

Arkansas remained in the poll moving up to No. 20 the following week but a pair of losses at No. 11 LSU and at Ole Miss saw the Razorbacks slip from the rankings.

Arkansas breaks from competition this week for the holiday but returns to the court hosting Furman Dec. 28, before beginning SEC play Jan. 2, at Florida.