A basketball player in white jumps to shoot while surrounded by opposing players in black jerseys during a game.
|

Big Ten Women’s Basketball Highlights and Rankings – Feb. 14-17 Update

ByCoach

The Big Ten Women’s Basketball Conference is heating up as teams vie for top positions and prepare for the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament.

With numerous standout performances, historic achievements, and intense matchups, fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.

This comprehensive update covers the latest standings, key games, player highlights, and significant milestones in Big Ten women’s basketball.

Big Ten Standings and Key Matchups

As the season progresses, the standings in the Big Ten Conference are becoming increasingly competitive.

USC currently leads the conference with a 12-1 record, followed closely by UCLA at 11-1.

Ohio State, Illinois, and Michigan State round out the top five, each with impressive records.

Upcoming Games to Watch

This weekend promises exciting action for fans, with several key matchups on the schedule:

  • The Barn Burner Trophy: Purdue vs. Indiana, Saturday at noon ET on the Big Ten Network.
  • Tripleheader on BTN: Illinois vs. Nebraska (5 p.m. ET), USC vs. Washington (7 p.m. ET), Michigan State vs. UCLA (9 p.m. ET).
  • Monday’s National Platforms: Iowa vs. Ohio State on FOX (noon ET), Michigan vs. Maryland (6 p.m. ET), Rutgers vs. Northwestern (8 p.m. ET).

Historic Wins and Milestones

Several teams and players have achieved remarkable milestones this season.

USC’s recent victory over UCLA marked their first triumph over an AP top-ranked team since 1983, snapping UCLA’s 23-game win streak.

Additionally, Michigan head coach Kim Barnes Arico became the winningest coach in Michigan basketball history with her 279th win.

Notable Player Achievements

Standout players have also made headlines:

  • JuJu Watkins (USC): Averaging 23.9 points per game during conference play, the only player to do so.
  • Kendall Bostic (Illinois): Leading the conference with 11.0 rebounds per game.
  • Lauren Betts (UCLA): Featured on the John R. Wooden Award Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List.

Big Ten Teams in National Rankings

The Big Ten Conference boasts a strong presence in national rankings, with five teams featured in the latest Associated Press poll.

UCLA remains at the top, followed by USC, Ohio State, Maryland, and Michigan State. Illinois and Michigan also received votes, showcasing the depth of talent within the conference.

Strength of Schedule and NET Rankings

The Big Ten leads all Division I conferences with 12 teams among the top 40 in the latest NET rankings.

Purdue has the third-toughest NET strength of schedule in the country, joined by several other Big Ten teams with challenging schedules. This competitive environment prepares teams well for the NCAA Tournament.

Offensive and Defensive Standouts

Big Ten teams are excelling both offensively and defensively this season.

USC leads the nation in blocks per game, while Minnesota ranks seventh in assist/turnover ratio.

UCLA boasts the top rebounding margin and ranks fourth in assists per game. Ohio State and Illinois also rank highly in turnover margin and free throw percentage, respectively.

Top Scoring Teams

Offensive production is a hallmark of the Big Ten Conference, with eight teams averaging more than 75 points per game.

USC, Michigan State, Ohio State, UCLA, and Maryland are among the nation’s top 20 scoring offenses, highlighting the league’s high-scoring capabilities.

Individual Player Highlights

Several players have distinguished themselves with outstanding performances this season:

  • Gracie Merkle (Penn State): Fifth in the nation in field goal percentage.
  • JuJu Watkins (USC): Fifth in total points and fourth in points per game.
  • Kendall Bostic (Illinois): Sixth in rebounds per game.
  • Lauren Betts (UCLA): Sixth in blocks per game.

Big Ten’s National Presence

The Big Ten Conference continues to be a dominant force in women’s basketball, consistently ranking among the top three conferences in attendance and overall performance.

This season, 14 Big Ten schools rank among the top 40 in the nation in average attendance, with Iowa leading the way.

Television Coverage and Tournament Information

The 2024-25 television schedule features unprecedented coverage, with 12 Big Ten matchups televised on nationally distributed platforms.

All 162 conference games will be nationally produced or distributed, ensuring fans have ample opportunities to catch their favorite teams in action.

The 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament is set for March 5-9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

This year’s tournament will feature a 15-team field, with the opening games televised on Peacock and subsequent rounds on the Big Ten Network and CBS.

Conclusion

The Big Ten Women’s Basketball Conference is showcasing an impressive blend of team success, individual excellence, and historic achievements this season.

With intense competition, standout performances, and extensive national coverage, fans have much to anticipate as the season progresses.

For more detailed information and updates, visit the Big Ten Women’s Basketball official site.

Related Posts