As January progresses, conference play in women’s college basketball is heating up, and the AP Top 25 Poll has experienced notable changes following Week 11 of the season. The latest rankings reflect significant movement due to several upsets and high-stakes matchups within the Top 25, underscoring the competitive nature of the current season.
The UConn Huskies have maintained their unbeaten streak with a recent win over a formidable Villanova squad. This week, they will face a challenging non-conference matchup against Notre Dame, followed by conference games at Georgetown and Seton Hall, adding layers of anticipation for their next contests.
The South Carolina Gamecocks are enjoying a successful stretch, which has been mirrored in their rise within the AP rankings. Their recent victories include a significant win against Texas and a convincing performance against Coppin State. However, the upcoming week will test their mettle as they prepare to face SEC rivals Oklahoma on the road and Vanderbilt at home.
UCLA continues to climb the ranks after securing two victories in Big Ten play against Minnesota and Maryland. They will look to extend this success with a home game on Wednesday prior to a road trip to Northwestern.
Despite dropping two consecutive games to LSU and South Carolina, the Texas Longhorns have managed to remain in the Top 10 thanks to a rebound win against Texas A&M. Their next matchup is set for January 25, as they take on Arkansas in another road test.
The unbeaten Vanderbilt Commodores have not only sustained their success by defeating Texas A&M but also added a win over Mississippi State. They now face a significant challenge against AP-ranked Michigan, followed by Southeast Conference matchups against Auburn and South Carolina.
LSU has also made headlines with a noteworthy win against Oklahoma since the last AP Poll was released, placing them in a solid position as they prepare for another road game against Texas A&M.
Meanwhile, Michigan remains competitive with a current record of 6-1 in Big Ten play. They aim to solidify their standing against Vanderbilt before returning to conference play against Rutgers and USC in the following week.
The Louisville Cardinals achieved critical success with two recent ACC wins, including a road victory against a ranked Notre Dame and an overtime triumph against NC State. They are set to host Boston College in their next game.
TCU had a fruitful week with two Big 12 victories that solidified their position in the Top 10. They will face a tough challenge in non-conference play against Ohio State before heading to Orlando to compete against UCF.
Iowa has also surged into the Top 10 following wins over Oregon and Michigan State, although they will face a tough road challenge against Maryland, followed by a home game against Ohio State next week.
The AP Top 25 reflects a blend of consistency and fluctuation, showcasing the exciting landscape of women’s college basketball as teams strive for dominance in their respective conferences. With numerous critical matchups on the horizon, fans can anticipate a thrilling continuation of the season.