The landscape of women’s college basketball experienced a seismic shift this week as the UCLA Bruins shocked the previously undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks, ending their 43-game winning streak and vaulting to the top spot in the latest ESPN Women’s Basketball Power Rankings. The 77-62 upset victory not only solidified UCLA’s status as a legitimate title contender but also opened the door for other teams to make their move up the rankings.
Duke Emerges as a Team to Watch
While the Bruins stole the headlines, the Duke Blue Devils quietly made their own statement, cracking the top 10 for the first time this season. Under the guidance of head coach Kara Lawson, Duke has been steadily building momentum since a COVID-shortened 2020-21 campaign. The Blue Devils’ 73-62 victory over No. 9 Kansas State at the Ball Dawgs Classic in Las Vegas served as a testament to their growth and potential.
Leading the charge for Duke is junior guard Ashlon Jackson, who poured in a career-high 30 points against the Wildcats. Jackson, along with freshman phenom Toby Fournier, who is averaging 12.9 points per game, have provided the Blue Devils with a potent one-two punch capable of challenging the nation’s elite.
Challenging the Best to Become the Best
Duke’s rise in the rankings comes at an opportune time, as they prepare to face off against two more top-10 opponents in the coming days. The Blue Devils will square off against No. 8 Oklahoma on Wednesday, followed by a Dec. 5 showdown with the now-No. 4 South Carolina Gamecocks. These matchups will provide Duke with an invaluable opportunity to test their mettle against some of the nation’s best and further solidify their status as a team to be reckoned with.
These are the types of opponents a program aspiring to return to the Final Four needs to play. Oklahoma’s high-powered offense will challenge Duke to keep up with the Sooners. South Carolina is going to learn — and likely improve — after its loss to UCLA.
– According to a close source
A New Era for the Blue Devils
The Blue Devils’ last appearance in the Final Four came in 2018, but with the talent and determination displayed by this year’s squad, a return to the sport’s biggest stage seems well within reach. As Lawson continues to mold her team into a cohesive unit, the college basketball world will be keeping a close eye on Durham, North Carolina.
Shakeup at the Top
While Duke’s ascent is certainly noteworthy, it was UCLA’s stunning upset of South Carolina that sent shockwaves through the women’s basketball landscape. The Bruins, led by center Lauren Betts’ 19.4 points per game, never trailed against the defending national champions, showcasing a level of poise and execution that had been missing in recent years.
The victory not only ended the Gamecocks’ 43-game winning streak but also exposed some potential vulnerabilities in a team that had looked nearly invincible up to this point. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley acknowledged the difficult road ahead, noting that her team will need to adapt and evolve in the wake of their first loss in over a year.
UCLA snapped South Carolina’s 43-game winning streak, but it isn’t such a bad thing for the Gamecocks. They have been carrying the weight of being the national championship favorites for a long time. This is a very different team than last season, with players figuring out their roles.
– According to a close source
A Wide-Open Race
With South Carolina’s aura of invincibility shattered, the door has been opened for a host of contenders to stake their claim as the nation’s top team. In addition to UCLA and Duke, programs like UConn, Notre Dame, Texas, and Louisville will all be looking to capitalize on the Gamecocks’ stumble and position themselves for a deep postseason run.
As the season progresses and the intensity ratchets up, one thing is certain: women’s college basketball fans are in for a wild ride. With no clear-cut favorite and a bevy of talented teams waiting in the wings, the road to the Final Four promises to be filled with twists, turns, and no shortage of drama. Buckle up and enjoy the journey.
