Cyclones still on the outside of the Top 25

Most bracketologists currently have the Iowa State men’s basketball team in the field of 68 of the NCAA tournament.

Voters aren’t just ready to put them in the top 25, however.

The Cyclones are receiving votes in both The Associated Press and Coaches Poll, but still are on the outside looking in.

ISU received 71 points in the AP poll, good for second among teams receiving votes, behind only Notre Dame (83). The Cyclones got 10 points in the Coaches Poll, putting them fourth among teams receiving votes.

The 71 points in the AP poll is a 68-point jump from last week, while ISU was at nine points in the Coaches Poll a week ago.

Iowa State did manage to crack CBS Sports’ Top 25 (and one), which is put together by national writers Jeff Goodman and Gary Parrish. ISU is 25th in their poll.

“The Mayor and his band of second-chance kids have come together after a slow start,” the pair write in the poll. “ISU seems headed for the NCAA tournament.”

The Cyclones may need some help from above them if they hope to crack the rankings next week with tests against Oklahoma State (on the road) and Texas A&M (at home) on the schedule.

The Cowboys and Aggies are a combined 23-22 overall and 7-13 in Big 12 play.

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