Rutgers Ranked In AP Top 25 For First Time Since 1978-79

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights bench reacts after a dunk by guard Geo Baker (not pictured) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC)
Photo credit Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Rutgers' drought is over. 

For the first time in 41 years, the Rutgers' men's basketball team finally broke into the Associated Press' Top 25 Poll. Rutgers made the jump from unranked to No. 24 in the latest poll following an impressive 14-4 start to its season. 

The Scarlet Knights have won eight of their last nine outings, including wins over No. 20 Penn State and No. 22 Seton Hall. Led by Ron Harper Jr. and Geo Baker, Rutgers is dominant at home, having yet to lose at Rutgers Athletic Center this season. 

Dunk of the week?That's easy, it's @RutgersMBB's @Geo_Baker_1. pic.twitter.com/JyW5ohxPTH

— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) January 20, 2020

"I'm proud of the progress we've made as a program and I'm really happy for the guys on our roster," Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said in a statement. "The ranking is a testament to the hard work and sacrifices our guys have put forth this year. We are enjoying this journey and we are excited to face the many challenges that lie ahead in the best conference in the country. Go RU!"

Rutgers finished No. 18 in the final AP poll of the 1978-79 regular season — their last poll appearence. 

There's been revitalization with Pikiell at the helm and he's "enjoying this journey." Pikiell and the Scarlet Knights improved to 5-2 in conference play following their 64-56 win against Minnesota. The win —their second straight — matched Rutgers' win total from last season.

New Jersey is well represented in the poll, which was released Monday afternoon. 

Seton Hall (14-4) cracked the top ten, moving up eight spots to reach No. 10. It's the Pirates' highest ranking since 2000, when they reached No. 7. Seton Hall defeated St. Johns for its eighth-straight win on Saturday, as it attempts to reach the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight season.

Rutgers, however, last made the annual tournament in 1988-1989.