Saint Mary's Jumps To No. 18 In AP Poll

MORGA (CBS SF) -- In the latest Associated Press men's college basketball poll, the Saint Mary's Gaels have jumped up the rankings by several positions to No. 18.

The Gaels climbed a few spots thanks to some critical losses by teams ranked ahead of them -- and also as a result of their own huge road wins over BYU and Loyola Marymount this past weekend.

Saint Mary's climbed from No. 21 to No. 18 in the AP Top 25 Poll. The Gaels used their 2-0 week to climb ahead of Indiana, Mississippi State and Michigan.

SMC has gotten off to the best start in school history as their record currently sits at 21-2 overall and 10-0 in conference play.

The Gaels biggest remaining challenges come later this month when they play on the road Feb. 9 against the Gonzaga Bulldogs -- which entered the AP rankings in the latest poll at No. 24, and again on Feb. 18 against the 10th-ranked Murray State Racers -- the only remaining undefeated Division I team at 21-0.

Wins in those games game could help lock up a regular season conference title as well as a potential at-large bid for the Gaels to the NCAA Tournament.

(Copyright 2012 CBS San Francisco. All rights reserved.)