ST. LOUIS (AP) - Saint Louis just keeps piling up the wins.
The Billikens are ranked No. 10, moving into the top-10 for the first time in nearly 50 years. It is hard-earned recognition for a school closing in on a second straight Atlantic 10 Conference title.
"They're a terrific team," coach Shaka Smart of second-place VCU said Saturday after losing 64-62 to the Billikens. "They have all the elements - great coaching, very good talent, experience."
The Billikens, who have won a school-record 17 games in a row, moved up two spots from the previous week. The ranking is the school's best since it was No. 9 on Dec. 29, 1964.
"I think we're good," guard Jordair Jett said. "But we've got a lot of room for improvement, so we're going to take it day by day."
That's a typical reaction from players and coach Jim Crews, in his second season after taking over for the late Rick Majerus. After the VCU win, Crews was unapologetic about leaning on "coach speak," as in taking it one game at a time.
"I like our position," Crews said. "The kids are doing unbelievably good."
Saint Louis is 23-2 overall and 10-0 in the Atlantic 10 with a three-game lead heading into Wednesday's game at George Mason.