Historic Milestone for College Women’s Basketball
In a historic milestone for college women’s basketball, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has made waves by achieving a record-setting 10 teams in the latest Associated Press women’s Top 25 basketball poll. This achievement marks the first time in the poll’s half-century existence that the SEC has amassed this number of ranked teams in a single week.
Georgia Lady Bulldogs Make a Comeback
The celebration begins with the Georgia Lady Bulldogs, who surged into the rankings at No. 23 following a formidable victory against the previously ranked No. 11 Kentucky. This accomplishment puts Georgia back in the Top 25 for the first time since 2022, following an impressive start of 14-0 in non-conference matchups, a record not seen in 16 years.
Top Teams in Women’s College Basketball
The UConn Huskies continue to lead the pack as the unanimous No. 1 team, holding onto their perfect record with 37 consecutive wins dating back to the last season, solidifying their status as the only undefeated team in women’s college basketball. UCLA has now climbed to the No. 2 position after South Carolina’s recent overtime setback against Oklahoma, which has made a significant leap to No. 10. South Carolina, previously a high-ranking team, has slipped to No. 3, rounding out a strong showing for the SEC alongside Texas (No. 4), Vanderbilt (No. 5), and LSU (No. 6). Vanderbilt recently faced its first defeat of the season against South Carolina.
Other Ranked Teams and SEC’s Significance
Among the other ranked teams, Louisville and Iowa sit comfortably at seventh and eighth places, with Michigan dropping to ninth after a loss to Vanderbilt during the Coretta Scott King Classic last week. Notably, the SEC’s triumph further amplifies its significance in women’s basketball, propelled by the success of teams like Tennessee, Iowa, Louisville, and UConn, all undefeated in their respective conferences, and boasting a combined record of 35-0 in league play as of Sunday.
Conference Rankings and Upcoming Matchups
Following the SEC’s dominance, the Big Ten ranks second with seven teams featured in the Top 25, while the Big 12 has four representatives. The Atlantic Coast Conference secures two spots, with both the Big East and Ivy League claiming one ranked team each.
Looking ahead, this week’s key matchups include No. 1 UConn hosting No. 15 Tennessee, where the Lady Volunteers will seek to end UConn’s perfect streak. Another anticipated game features No. 8 Iowa facing No. 2 UCLA, with the Big Ten title at stake in what promises to be an electrifying contest. These games are pivotal as the NCAA Tournament approaches, setting the stage for thrilling encounters in women’s college basketball.
