Louisiana Tech moves into Top 25 for 1st time since Karl Malone, Bulldogs were ranked in 1985

The last time Louisiana Tech was this good Karl Malone patrolled the courts on the Ruston campus.

Second-year coach Michael White might not have a leading man like Malone, but the program is back among the nation's best thanks to an ensemble cast that hasn't lost in more than two months.

Louisiana Tech moved into the Top 25 Monday for the first time since a 13-week run during the 1984-85 season, edging Colorado State for the No. 25 spot. The Bulldogs (24-3, 14-0 Western Athletic Conference) are on a 16-game winning streak. Their last was an 80-72 setback against McNeese State on Dec. 12.

Louisiana Tech has two home games this week to bask in its newfound popularity — Thursday against Utah State and Saturday versus San Jose State.