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Big Ten, SEC Dominate AP Top 25 Women’s Basketball Rankings

ByCoach

The latest Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll has stirred up excitement and debate among fans and analysts alike.

The Big Ten and SEC conferences are both making strong cases to be considered the top leagues in women’s college basketball this season. Each conference boasts seven teams ranked in the AP Top 25, with four teams from each league placing in the top 10.

This season has seen significant conference realignment, which has only added to the competitive landscape.

Let’s delve into the details of this week’s rankings and the key matchups that are shaping the season.

Top Teams and Conference Realignment

Leading the pack is No. 1 UCLA, which has maintained its top spot by receiving 30 of 32 first-place votes from a national media panel. The Bruins have been dominant since their victory over the former top team, South Carolina, in late November.

South Carolina, now ranked No. 2, continues to impress and will host No. 5 Texas in a highly anticipated game on Sunday.

Notre Dame holds the No. 3 position, having garnered the remaining two first-place votes, one of which was taken from South Carolina. The Fighting Irish have been consistent and are a team to watch as the season progresses.

Impact of New Entrants

The Big Ten and SEC have both benefited from recent conference realignments. UCLA and USC, ranked No. 1 and No. 4 respectively, have joined the Big Ten. Meanwhile, Texas and Oklahoma, ranked No. 5 and No. 10, have bolstered the SEC.

These additions have not only strengthened their respective conferences but have also intensified the competition at the top of the rankings.

Key Teams to Watch

Aside from the top three teams, several other programs are making waves this season. LSU and UConn, ranked No. 6 and No. 7 respectively, are both traditional powerhouses that continue to perform at a high level.

Undefeated Maryland, ranked No. 8, and Ohio State, which moved up to No. 9, are also showing strong form.

Utah, ranked No. 22, is an interesting story this season. The Utes underwent a coaching change early in the season when Lynne Roberts left to coach in the WNBA. Longtime assistant Gavin Petersen stepped in and has kept the team competitive, guiding them to a huge Thanksgiving tournament win over Notre Dame.

Utah will face No. 12 Kansas State on Wednesday in what promises to be an exciting matchup.

Alabama’s Resurgence

No. 18 Alabama is off to its best start in the SEC in 21 years. The Crimson Tide improved to 2-0 in the conference for the first time since the 2003-04 season with a convincing 68-49 win over Missouri. Alabama will have a tough test ahead as they visit No. 5 Texas on Thursday.

Conference Breakdown

The SEC and Big Ten each have seven teams ranked in this week’s AP Top 25. The ACC follows closely with six teams, while the Big 12 has four and the Big East has one.

This distribution highlights the depth and competitiveness of women’s college basketball across multiple conferences.

Here is the full AP Top 25:

  • 1. UCLA
  • 2. South Carolina
  • 3. Notre Dame
  • 4. USC
  • 5. Texas
  • 6. LSU
  • 7. UConn
  • 8. Maryland
  • 9. Ohio State
  • 10. Oklahoma
  • 11. TCU
  • 12. Kansas State
  • 13. Georgia Tech
  • 14. Duke
  • 15. Kentucky
  • 16. Tennessee
  • 17. West Virginia
  • 18. Alabama
  • 19. North Carolina
  • 20. Michigan State
  • 21. North Carolina State
  • 22. Utah
  • 23. Iowa
  • 24. Cal
  • 25. Michigan

Upcoming Key Matchups

Several key games are on the horizon that could shake up the rankings.

South Carolina hosting Texas on Sunday is a must-watch game that will likely have significant implications for both teams.

Additionally, Alabama’s visit to Texas on Thursday will test the Crimson Tide’s early-season form.

Utah’s game against Kansas State on Wednesday is another intriguing matchup. With Utah’s recent coaching change and Kansas State’s strong start, this game could provide valuable insights into the strength of both teams.

Conclusion

The competition in women’s college basketball is heating up. The Big Ten and SEC are leading the charge. The recent conference realignments have added an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the season.

As the top teams continue to battle it out, fans can look forward to thrilling games and unexpected twists. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as the season progresses.

For more details on the latest rankings and upcoming matchups, check out the full AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll.

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