Gonzaga enjoying first time in top 10

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Two wins over Portland and a loss by Oklahoma State have put Gonzaga at No. 9 this week in The Associated Press college basketball poll, the first appearance in the Top 10 in the school's history.

Gonzaga also became the first Washington state team since Washington was seventh in 1984-85 to reach such a high poll ranking.

The Bulldogs (20-3, 7-1 West Coast Conference) were ranked 11th last week.

"This is great for the program," coach Mark Few said. "As I've said before, I think this program is to the point where it deserves the respect it is now getting.

Few said the Bulldogs' final six regular-season games pose challenges to their high ranking.

"We have a bigger target painted on us," Few said. "Plus, we go to two of the toughest gyms in our league this week. They'll be ready and waiting for us."

The Bulldogs visit Santa Clara on Thursday and San Diego on Saturday.

But their toughest remaining opponent likely is Pepperdine, which handed Gonzaga its only conference loss to leave the Bulldogs second in the WCC. The Waves travel to Spokane on Feb. 16.

Last week, Gonzaga beat Portland (5-17) 102-76 in Spokane and 94-80 on Saturday night in Portland.

Oklahoma State's loss to Kansas State dropped the Cowboys from No. 9 to No. 14 in the latest poll, making room for the Bulldogs.

Few also has some injury problems to contend with. Starting center Cory Violette and key reserve Ronny Turiaf are hobbled by ankle injuries suffered in Wednesday's game. Turiaf did not play on Saturday, while Violette had nine points and seven rebounds in limited minutes.

Gonzaga's success is quite a departure from the less-than-storied tradition of Washington college basketball.

Washington State has not appeared in the Top 25 since 1983. Washington was last ranked in 1998. Eastern Washington has never been ranked.