University of Missouri

Missouri women move up to No. 23 in AP poll

Missouri's Sophie Cunningham has made a big impact in her freshman season, averaging 16.6 points per game.
Missouri's Sophie Cunningham has made a big impact in her freshman season, averaging 16.6 points per game. Mizzou Athletics

By Tod Palmer

tpalmer@kcstar.com

The undefeated Missouri women’s basketball inched up two spots to No. 23 in the Associated Press’ latest top 25 ranking, which was released Monday.

The Tigers, who are off to the best start in program history at 12-0, cracked the poll last week for the first time since 2006.

Missouri’s ranking is its highest in the AP poll since checking in at No. 18 on Dec. 30, 1984.

The Tigers totaled 101 points, which is up from 79 last week.

Missouri is one of six ranked SEC teams, led by No. 2 South Carolina along with No. 7 Kentucky, No. 8 Mississippi State, No. 13 Tennessee and No. 16 Texas A&M. Georgia and Florida also are receiving votes.

The Tigers are one of nine undefeated teams, including seven ranked teams. The other six teams are among the top seven in the AP poll, while USC and Oregon are only receiving votes.

Missouri hosts Charlotte at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday as part of doubleheader with men’s basketball.

Coach Robin Pingeton’s squad opens SEC play against the Volunteers at 6 p.m. Jan. 4 at Mizzou Arena. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.

Tod Palmer: 816-234-4389, @todpalmer

This story was originally published December 28, 2015 at 9:15 PM with the headline "Missouri women move up to No. 23 in AP poll."

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