Early Season Struggles: Women’s College Basketball Teams Facing Challenges
The first week of the women’s college basketball season brought a wild mix of blowouts and surprises. We’re already seeing glimpses of what the preseason AP Top 25 teams might really look like.
Some squads flexed their dominance. Others showed cracks that could matter as the season rolls on.
Let’s dig into the early impressions, standout players, and big matchups that are already shaping what looks like a pretty exciting season.
UCLA’s Rocky Start and Key Injuries
Table of Contents
- 1 UCLA’s Rocky Start and Key Injuries
- 2 Top Teams Show Early Dominance
- 3 Duke’s Defensive Identity and Offensive Struggles
- 4 Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes Shines
- 5 NC State’s Gritty Win Over Tennessee
- 6 South Dakota State’s Impressive Road Win
- 7 Big 12 Spotlight: Iowa State and Baylor
- 8 Upcoming Key Matchups
UCLA, a powerhouse last season, stumbled out of the gate against San Diego State. Coach Cori Close didn’t sugarcoat it—she called out the lack of focus, effort, and teamwork that defined them before.
Missing key players Timea Gardiner and Sienna Betts, UCLA had to change things up. They started four guards against UC Santa Barbara, which gave them a better offensive look, but the real test looms with Oklahoma on the schedule.
Impact of Injuries on Team Dynamics
Gardiner and Betts being out has completely shifted UCLA’s approach. Last year, size was their calling card, but now they’re leaning heavily on their guards.
This could end up working in their favor—or it might be a real hurdle. Their next game against Oklahoma should reveal a lot about how they’re adjusting.
Top Teams Show Early Dominance
The AP’s top five teams, including No. 1 UConn, wasted no time showing why they’re ranked so high. UConn’s 13-point win over No. 20 Louisville was actually the tightest game among these squads.
The Huskies, now moving on from the Paige Bueckers era, leaned on newcomers like USC transfer Kayleigh Heckel and former Wisconsin forward Serah Williams to fill the gap.
UConn’s Depth and Versatility
Depth is a real strength for UConn this season. Heckel came off the bench for 14 points, and Williams looked strong in her debut.
With so many players able to step up, UConn seems set to handle the season’s challenges, even without Bueckers. That’s a sign of a program with real staying power.
Duke’s Defensive Identity and Offensive Struggles
Duke, always tough on defense, faltered on offense by shooting just 29 percent in their opener. Coach Kara Lawson keeps hammering that defense is their identity, but they’ll need a lot more on the other end of the floor.
The contrast between their defense and offense couldn’t have been clearer. It’s obvious they have to find a better balance if they want to keep up with top teams.
Challenges in Offensive Execution
Duke’s offense looked disjointed, with turnovers and hesitation all over the place. That’s surprising, especially since all their starters are back from last year.
If they want to make noise this season, they’ve got to turn that defensive energy into points. It’s a puzzle they’ll need to solve soon.
Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes Shines
Mikayla Blakes stood out in Vanderbilt’s 74-65 win over California. She played all 40 minutes and dropped a game-high 27 points.
Coach Shea Ralph clearly trusts her, and honestly, Blakes’ ability to keep up that level of play could be a game-changer for Vanderbilt this year.
Blakes’ Potential and Usage
Blakes might just lead the country in scoring if things break her way. She’s got the talent, and she’ll get plenty of chances on this roster.
But there’s a catch—Vanderbilt has to manage her minutes so she doesn’t burn out, especially after losing Khamil Pierre in the offseason. It’s a balancing act for the coaching staff.
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NC State’s Gritty Win Over Tennessee
NC State showed a lot of grit in beating Tennessee, especially after losing three starters from last year. Freshman Destiny Lunan and Vanderbilt transfer Khamil Pierre stepped up and showed off the team’s depth.
This win makes it clear NC State isn’t backing down in the ACC—they’re still a threat.
Key Contributions from Newcomers
Lunan gave the team a spark in the third quarter, and Pierre found ways to score even when the offense wasn’t clicking. Their immediate impact is hard to ignore.
NC State will need these new faces to keep producing as their schedule gets tougher.
South Dakota State’s Impressive Road Win
South Dakota State went on the road and made a statement, beating Creighton 78-62. Senior Brooklyn Meyer stole the show with 33 points, eight rebounds, five blocks, and five assists.
SDSU looks like a mid-major that could make some real noise this season.
Meyer’s Dominance and Team Potential
Meyer set the pace for the Jackrabbits, and if she keeps this up, the sky’s the limit. With games coming up against Gonzaga, UNC, Columbia, and Kansas State, SDSU has a shot to break into the rankings.
Big 12 Spotlight: Iowa State and Baylor
The Big 12 had its own share of standouts, especially from Iowa State and Baylor. Jada Williams, a transfer from Arizona, looked strong for the Cyclones in her first two games.
Baylor’s Taliah Scott, coming back from a tough injury, made an immediate impact with her scoring and aggressiveness against Duke.
Williams and Scott’s Impact
Williams is fitting right in at Iowa State, making her mark on both ends of the floor. Scott’s return for Baylor is impressive—she’s already showing she could be a difference-maker.
Both players seem ready to play big roles for their teams this year.
Upcoming Key Matchups
The next couple of weeks bring some matchups that could really shake things up. No. 24 Richmond is set to face No. 4 Texas, which should be a real test for Richmond’s high-powered offense.
Meanwhile, No. 9 NC State will take on No. 18 Southern California. The Trojans will have their hands full, especially without their star JuJu Watkins.
Richmond vs. Texas
Richmond leans on Atlantic 10 player of the year Maggie Doogan to run their offense, but facing Texas’ defense is a different animal. The Spiders need to find another gear if they want to hang with a power conference team.
This game should tell us a lot about whether Richmond can compete with the best. It’s definitely one to watch.
NC State vs. Southern California
NC State brings experience and a balanced attack. That combo should really test USC.
USC needs strong performances from their guard rotation. Freshman Jazzy Davidson’s growth could make all the difference for the Trojans in this early-season matchup.
For more in-depth coverage and analysis of the women’s college basketball season, visit The New York Times.