Cougars move up to No. 14 in AP poll

PROVO — As BYU continues to climb in the national rankings — up four spots to No. 14 in the Associated Press poll — the Cougars are focused on staying grounded.

"First of all, it's a big accomplishment for our team, as far as the respect we're getting from around the nation," said guard Jackson Emery. "But when you move up in the rankings, that target on your back gets bigger and bigger. More than anything, it makes us regroup and work harder because we know we're going to get every teams' best shot."

BYU also moved up four places in the coaches poll to No. 13 heading into Wednesday's game against Wyoming (6 p.m., The mtn.) at the Marriott Center.

"We don't talk about (the rankings) at all as a coaching staff. The players talk about it. It's exciting for them," said coach Dave Rose. "Most of these guys are national basketball fans. They know what's going on in the Big East and the Pac-10, from coast to coast. All we as coaches talk about is the next game."

Wyoming coach Heath Schroyer said Monday that BYU deserves its lofty ranking.

"I think BYU is the best team in the West. They are the most selfless basketball team I've seen in a long time," he said. "They've got it all. ... They're one of the best teams in the country."

BYU is on a roll, having won 13 consecutive games, and is two wins away from posting its best start in school history.

"Not many teams get out to this kind of start," said BYU senior center Chris Miles. "This is our first time with this good of a record at this point of the season. It's something you always believe you can do, but to see it actually happen and come to life is special."

FAB FROSH: BYU freshman big man Brandon Davies turned in two solid performances in wins over Air Force and Colorado State last week.

The Provo High product turned in his first double-double against the Falcons, then followed that up with an eight-point, four-rebound effort against the Rams. The Cougars are expecting Davies to get better and better as time goes on.

"I think he has a terrific future. I knew he was a really good player, and I knew that he could play very well at this level," said Miles. "But I didn't know he'd have the kind of success he's had already. He's a lot tougher (to guard) than people anticipate, and he's had a lot of success against really good defenders and all types of players. That's a credit to him and his determination to play well. He's a fun guy to watch."