Iowa Cracks Top 10, Geno Auriemma Sets Historic Record

Iowa’s back in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 women’s college basketball rankings, and honestly, sophomore Ava Heiden deserves a lot of the credit. The Hawkeyes surged after a 62-44 win over then-No. 6 Michigan, which was a statement game if there ever was one.

UConn, meanwhile, keeps its grip on the No. 1 spot. The Huskies set a new record for poll appearances under Geno Auriemma—what else is new?

There were upsets and wild swings in the rankings this week. The regular season’s winding down, but things are anything but predictable.

The Rise of Iowa and Ava Heiden’s Dominance

Iowa’s climb back into the top 10 really shows their grit. They’re now tied with Michigan in the Big Ten, and a lot of that comes down to Ava Heiden’s breakout game.

Heiden poured in 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, notching her eighth career double-double. She also swatted two shots and nabbed two steals, helping to hold Michigan to their lowest score all season.

Key Highlights from the Game

Heiden was everywhere for Iowa. Just look at these numbers:

• 24 points
• 10 rebounds
• 2 blocks
• 2 steals

She pretty much did it all, and the Hawkeyes leaned on her at both ends of the floor.

Significant Upsets and Shifts in the Rankings

Some wild results shook up the rankings. Unranked Virginia stunned then-No. 8 Louisville, 74-72, right in Kentucky.

That win could change the NCAA Tournament picture, especially for teams like Virginia that are fighting for a spot.

Duke’s Streak Ends

Duke saw its 17-game winning streak snap. Clemson edged them out, 53-51, in a nail-biter.

Now Duke has to regroup as the postseason looms.

The Steady Top Five and Vanderbilt’s Narrow Escape

The top five teams didn’t budge, but it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Vanderbilt, sitting at No. 5, barely slipped past Kentucky with an 81-79 win.

This season’s top teams just keep finding ways to survive, but nothing feels guaranteed.

UConn’s Historic Achievement

UConn keeps rolling as the unanimous No. 1. They just hit their 655th AP Top 25 appearance under Geno Auriemma, which is now an all-time record.

That’s one more thing for Auriemma to add to his already ridiculous resume, passing former Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer.

Tennessee’s Struggles and Fall from the Rankings

On the flip side, Tennessee’s been having a rough go. Their 100-93 loss to Oklahoma was their fourth straight defeat, and it finally knocked them out of the rankings.

For a program with their history, that’s a pretty steep fall.

Implications for the NCAA Tournament

All these upsets and ranking shifts could shake up the NCAA Tournament field. Virginia and Clemson, with those big wins, might see their chances improve.

Duke and Tennessee, though, need to find answers fast if they want to make a run.