The landscape of women’s college basketball has taken a thrilling turn as Notre Dame Fighting Irish claim the coveted No. 1 spot in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll. This marks the first time the Irish have sat atop the rankings since January 2019, signaling a triumphant return to dominance.
Notre Dame’s ascension comes on the heels of a stunning upset, as the previously undefeated UCLA Bruins fell to their cross-town rivals, the USC Trojans, in a 71-60 showdown. The loss sent shockwaves through the basketball world and paved the way for the Irish to claim the throne.
Texas and USC Make Major Moves
While Notre Dame basks in the spotlight, other teams are making waves of their own. The Texas Longhorns have charged into second place, securing their highest ranking since 2017. Led by a dynamic squad, the Longhorns have proven their mettle by defeating three consecutive top-10 opponents – a feat unmatched since the 2004-05 season.
USC’s victory over UCLA not only shook up the rankings but also propelled the Trojans to an impressive No. 4 position. This remarkable climb showcases the depth and competitiveness of the Pac-12 conference, with both USC and UCLA poised to make deep runs in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
UConn Huskies Bounce Back, South Carolina Stumbles
The UConn Huskies, perennial contenders in women’s basketball, demonstrated their resilience by routing the then-No. 4 South Carolina Gamecocks in an 87-58 statement victory. This win catapulted UConn to the No. 5 spot and served as a reminder of their unwavering pursuit of excellence.
For South Carolina, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. The Gamecocks saw their incredible 71-game home winning streak come to an end, dropping them to sixth in the rankings. However, with a talented roster and legendary coach Dawn Staley at the helm, South Carolina remains a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Conference Breakdown and Notable Moves
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to assert its dominance, boasting seven ranked teams in the latest poll. The Big Ten follows closely behind with six representatives, while the ACC and Big 12 each claim five spots in the top 25.
Other notable moves include North Carolina climbing three spots to No. 9, marking their highest ranking in three seasons, and the return of Illinois to the rankings at No. 25 after key victories over Penn State and Nebraska.
Looking Ahead: Games to Watch
As the season progresses, several tantalizing matchups loom on the horizon:
- No. 1 Notre Dame at No. 13 North Carolina State (Sunday) – The Irish currently hold a two-game lead over the Wolfpack in the ACC standings, making this a crucial contest for conference supremacy.
- No. 17 West Virginia at No. 10 TCU (Sunday) – Two of the Big 12’s finest collide as the Horned Frogs aim to maintain their perch atop the conference.
With the NCAA tournament just a month away, every game takes on heightened significance. The selection committee recently unveiled their top 16 teams, featuring UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and Notre Dame as the one seeds. However, with the constantly shifting landscape of women’s basketball, these rankings are far from set in stone.
It’s definitely an honor to be the nation’s top team, but we are just focused on getting better every day.
– Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey
As the season reaches its crescendo, one thing is certain: the road to the national championship will be paved with intense battles, shocking upsets, and the emergence of new stars. With Notre Dame leading the charge and a host of contenders nipping at their heels, the world of women’s college basketball has never been more exhilarating. Buckle up, fans – March Madness is just around the corner, and it promises to be a wild ride.
