Thanks to the program's first 5-0 start to a season since 2009, the University of Miami men's basketball team cracked the Associated Press rankings at No. 17 and the coaches poll at No. 20 Monday afternoon.
After opening the 2014-15 slate with a home win over Howard on Nov. 14, the Hurricanes began last week with a 69-67 upset of then-No. 8 Florida in Gainesville. They followed that up with three straight victories in the Charleston Classic, capturing the title on Sunday night. Through five games, the Hurricanes have outscored their opponents 208-136 in the second half.
The Gators fell from No. 8 to No. 18 in the AP poll and from No. 7 to No. 16 in the coaches poll following the loss to Miami, which ended Florida's home winning streak at 33 games, and a narrow victory over Louisiana-Monroe.
Miami was last ranked in the final polls of the 2012-13 season, garnering the No. 5 spot. The Hurricanes would finish that season with a Sweet 16 berth. The last time UM was ranked in the month of November was during the 2008-09 season when the Canes opened No. 17 and moved down to No. 22 by Nov. 28.
The Hurricanes finish a five-game trip Tuesday night in Charlotte where they'll face the 49ers, whom they beat 77-58 for the Charleston Classic title.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
