The Gophers men's basketball team moved up two spots to No. 11 in the Associated Press poll Monday, its highest ranking since the now-vacated appearance at the 1997 Final Four.

Since debuting in the media poll a month ago, the Gophers have steadily climbed thanks to an eight-game winning streak. They completed nonconference play 12-1 with a victory over Lafayette on Saturday night. Although four top-10 teams lost Saturday, only two of those teams, Illinois and Florida, dropped behind the Gophers in the poll.

The Gophers' next game is their Big Ten Conference opener, coming against No. 19 Michigan State on Monday at Williams Arena.

• The Gophers' Kayla Hirt was named Big Ten women's basketball freshman of the week after recording 12 points and 12 rebounds in a 86-43 victory over Northern Iowa on Friday.

STAFF REPORTS