Duke Rejoins Women’s Basketball Rankings Amidst Top 5 Stability
The Duke women’s basketball team has clawed its way back this season. After a rough start, they’re back in the USA TODAY Sports women’s college basketball coaches’ poll at No. 22.
The Blue Devils are riding a 13-game winning streak. That kind of run doesn’t happen without some serious grit.
This week, they’re up against a real challenge. They’ll travel to face No. 6 Louisville, a team that’s been steadily climbing the rankings.
Up at the top, the poll’s first five teams haven’t budged. UConn still sits at No. 1—unanimously, too.
Vanderbilt has slipped down to No. 8. Princeton took a big hit after a close loss to Columbia.
Georgia dropped out of the rankings after losing to No. 23 Alabama. You can check out the full article for more details here.
Duke’s Remarkable Comeback
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Duke’s turnaround this season really stands out. After starting 3-6, they’ve rattled off 13 straight wins.
That streak pushed them up to No. 22 in the latest coaches’ poll. It’s tough not to admire their resilience.
Key Factors in Duke’s Success
So, what sparked this comeback? A few things come to mind:
- Strong Team Cohesion: These players really click together on the court.
- Effective Coaching: The coaching staff has made smart adjustments when it matters most.
- Individual Player Development: A couple of key players have seriously stepped up their game.
Upcoming Challenge Against Louisville
Duke’s next test is a big one. They’re heading to Louisville to play the Cardinals, who now sit at No. 6.
Louisville started the season at No. 22, so they’ve made a real leap. This matchup could shake up the rankings for both teams.
Louisville’s Rise in the Rankings
Louisville’s climb comes from steady play and solid teamwork. Their resilience reminds me a bit of Duke’s own journey this year.
Top Five Teams Hold Steady
The top five in the women’s poll haven’t changed. UConn leads the way at No. 1, and it’s not even close.
UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and LSU round out the top five. They’ve all kept up a high level of play week after week.
UConn’s Dominance
UConn’s grip on the No. 1 spot just keeps getting tighter. Their undefeated record says it all.
The Huskies have been a force in women’s college basketball for years. This season, they’re proving it all over again.
Notable Movements in the Rankings
Outside the top five, there have been some shakeups. Vanderbilt dropped from No. 6 to No. 8 after losses to South Carolina and Ole Miss.
Iowa fell two spots, now at No. 10, after tough games against USC and UCLA. Princeton took the biggest tumble, dropping five places after a tight loss to Columbia.
Georgia’s loss to Alabama knocked them out of the rankings entirely. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can change.
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Vanderbilt and Iowa’s Challenges
Vanderbilt and Iowa have hit some bumps lately. They’ll need to regroup if they want to climb back up.
Princeton’s Significant Drop
Princeton’s close loss to Columbia really stung. It’s tough to see a team drop that far after just one game, but that’s how the poll works sometimes.
Conclusion
The latest USA TODAY Sports women’s college basketball coaches’ poll shows how quickly things can change this season. Teams like Duke have pulled off some impressive comebacks.
Others are hitting rough patches. The upcoming Duke vs. Louisville game feels like a must-watch since it could shake up the rankings.
If you want the full rundown—rankings, team performances, all that—check out the article here.