USC achieved an impressive victory over UConn, narrowly winning 72-70 in Hartford, thanks to standout performances from JuJu Watkins, who scored 25 points, and Kiki Iriafen, who contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. This win capped off a successful nonconference stretch for the Trojans.
As the holiday break approaches, six teams in this week’s ESPN Power Rankings boast undefeated records: UCLA, LSU, Maryland, Ohio State, Georgia Tech, and Tennessee. These teams have faced different levels of challenges in their nonconference schedules but now brace themselves for the true test of conference play.
The rankings reveal UCLA holds the highest strength of schedule at 26th, while Tennessee and Maryland face scrutiny due to their lighter nonconference opponents. Both teams will see tougher competition in the upcoming weeks, with Maryland scheduled to face three ranked opponents and Tennessee also preparing for challenging matchups against top-tier teams.
Several other teams also showcased their standings in this week’s rankings, such as South Carolina, which continued its strong performance with an 82-46 win over Charleston Southern. Meanwhile, Notre Dame secured a decisive victory with a season-high 33 points from Hannah Hidalgo.
In this dynamic landscape, the strength of conference games will soon reveal which teams are genuine contenders for the Final Four. As they prepare to enter league play, these teams carry both the optimism and pressure of maintaining their perfect records against formidable opponents.
In summary, the upcoming weeks will be crucial for these undefeated teams as they transition into conference play, providing an opportunity to prove their worthiness as strong contenders for championship glory. With the competitive spirit ramping up, fans can anticipate exhilarating matchups and performances from emerging stars in women’s college basketball.