Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun

The UNLV basketball team is ranked No. 17 in the Associated Press and coaches’ polls, both of which were released Monday.

The Rebels won two games last week in vaulting three spots from No. 20 in the coaches’ poll and two spots from No. 19 in the AP. With a 15-2 overall record, the Rebels are tied with No. 1 Syracuse for the most wins in Division I.

UNLV’s week was highlighted by a 124-75 victory last Wednesday against Central Arkansas, scoring the most points since the 1990-91 season. UNLV also picked up a hard-fought 74-69 win Saturday at Hawaii.

The Rebels have won six straight games and seven of their last eight contests in piecing together its best start since the 1992-93 season.

San Diego State, who plays UNLV on Jan. 14 to open Mountain West Conference play, is ranked No. 24. New Mexico of the MWC also received votes in the poll, but not enough to land in the top 25.

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Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.