COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – For the first time in 11 years, 11 months and 13 days, the Northwest men's basketball team is ranked in the NJCAA Top 25 poll.

The Rangers, after huge wins over division rival Northeast (93-85) and No. 25 Holmes (69-64) last week, broke in at No. 22 on Tuesday.

"Our guys are very deserving, especially playing in a very tough league," head coach Bubba Skelton said. "Our hopes are to use it as motivation to end the season strong."

Northwest is off to its best start since the 2005-06 season at 18-2 overall and currently riding a season-long seven-game winning streak. The Rangers have wins over No. 24 Northeast and No. 25 Holmes and have also beaten ASU Mid-South twice, who is ranked 16th in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Northwest's last national ranking was back on Feb. 28, 2006, when the Rangers were No. 2 at 25-1 overall. They'd finish the year 29-4 and advance to the NJCAA Sweet 16 after winning region and division titles.

The Rangers are one win away from clinching their 13th MACJC North Division title and hosting the 2018 MACJC Tournament at Howard Coliseum. Northwest will welcome Coahoma to town on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.