LAKE CHARLES – Coming off a 2-0 week with convincing wins at UAB and against UT Martin, the McNeese Cowboys have broken into the Collegeinsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 for the first time this season, debuting at No. 22.
 
The Cowboys, 7-2 on the season, collected 113 votes in the poll that is voted on by a panel made up of 31 Division I coaches.
 
It's the first time in school history the Cowboys have appeared in the Collegeinsider.com poll.
 
"We are honored to be ranked," said McNeese head coach Will Wade who will make his coaching debut on December 13 when the Cowboys host Southern Miss. "It's a testament to the hard work of our players and staff as well as the commitment from our administration. We're very excited to put McNeese and Lake Charles on the national map in college basketball."
 
Western Carolina, who defeated McNeese 76-74 back on Nov. 18 to hand the Cowboys' their first loss of the season, is ranked No. 11 with a 6-1 record.
 
Gonzaga (6-1) tops the poll at No. 1 followed by James Madison (8-0), Princeton (8-0), UNCG (6-1) and Drake (7-1) to round out the top five.
 
McNeese ranked 37^th in the poll last week prior to the wins over UAB and UT Martin.
 
The poll is released every Monday evening.
 
Collegeinsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 Poll
1.  Gonzaga (6-1)
2.  James Madison (8-0)
3.  Princeton (8-0)
4.  UNCG (6-1)
5.  Drake (7-1)
6.  UNCW (6-2)
7.  Grand Canyon (6-1)
8.  Indiana State (7-1)
9.  Liberty (6-2)
10. Bradley (6-2)
11. Western Carolina (6-1)
12. UC Irvine (6-3)
13. Appalachian State (6-2)
14. Weber State (4-2)
15. Vermont (7-2)
16. Santa Clara (7-2)
17. Yale (5-4)
18. San Francisco (5-3)
19. Cornell (7-1)
20. Akron (4-3)
21. Purdue Fort Wayne (8-1)
22. McNeese (7-2)
23. Norfolk State (6-3)
24. Missouri State (6-2)
25. Charleston (4-4)