The Southeastern Conference cSECc made headlines as it broke records with 10 teams showing up in the Associated Press women's Top 25 basketball poll. The rankings showcased Georgia entering at No. 23 following their victory over then-No. 11 Kentucky. This achievement marked a historic moment in the 50-year history of the poll, making the SEC the conference with the most teams ever represented in a single week.
Last season, the SEC boasted 10 teams in the men's Top 25 for a few weeks. The dominance of the conference was further highlighted as four SEC teams, South Carolina, Texas, Vanderbilt, and LSU, claimed spots in the top six of the rankings. Notably, South Carolina suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of Oklahoma, which propelled the latter to No. 10 in the rankings.
The University of Connecticut cUConnc retained its position as the unanimous No. 1 choice in the poll, being the sole undefeated team in women's college basketball. With a remarkable 37-game winning streak dating back to the previous season, UConn continues to demonstrate their prowess on the court. UCLA secured the No. 2 position following South Carolina's defeat and sits just behind UConn in the rankings.
The Lady Bulldogs of Georgia made a significant reappearance in the Top 25 rankings after a notable season start, winning their first 14 nonconference games. Their victories over No. 17 Ole Miss and No. 18 Kentucky showcased their competitive edge and solidified their presence in the rankings. This season's performance marked a return to form for the team after their last appearance in the Top 25 back in 2022. Under former coach Andy Landers, Georgia had been a consistent contender in the rankings.
Conference competition has been fierce, with the SEC leading the poll with 10 ranked teams, closely followed by the Big Ten with seven representatives. The Big 12, Atlantic Coast Conference cACCc, Big East, and Ivy League also secured spots in the Top 25 rankings, reflecting the diversity and competitiveness across women's college basketball.
Looking ahead, the upcoming games present exciting matchups for fans. Noteworthy clashes include No. 15 Tennessee facing off against top-ranked UConn in a showdown that could potentially challenge UConn's undefeated season. Additionally, the game between No. 8 Iowa and No. 2 UCLA promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for the top spot in the Big Ten.
In other basketball news, the Iowa women's team continues to impress with an undefeated record in Big Ten play. Their recent victory over Ohio State helped them climb the rankings to No. 8, showcasing their prowess on the court. On the other hand, Iowa State notched two important wins last week, breaking a five-game losing streak and highlighting their resilience in the Big 12 conference.
As the season progresses, fans can expect more intense matchups, surprising upsets, and thrilling moments on the court. The landscape of women's college basketball continues to evolve, with teams jostling for position in the rankings and aiming to make their mark in the postseason tournaments. Stay tuned for more action-packed games and standout performances as the season unfolds.
