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JuJu Watkins Leads USC to Upset Over No. 1 UCLA

ByCoach

As March Madness approaches, the excitement in women’s college basketball is palpable. The NCAA Tournament committee has released its first top-16 ranking of the year, providing a glimpse into the potential tournament field.

This past Sunday, pivotal games such as the clash between No. 4 South Carolina Gamecocks and No. 7 UConn Huskies have already begun to shake up the rankings. The results of these games and others have significantly impacted the latest AP top 25 poll.

AP Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Rankings

The latest AP top 25 rankings have seen some significant shifts following a weekend of intense matchups. Despite a recent loss to No. 6 USC, UCLA remains at the top of the rankings. Here’s a look at the current standings:

  • Notre Dame
  • Texas
  • UCLA
  • USC
  • UConn
  • South Carolina
  • LSU
  • Ohio State
  • North Carolina
  • TCU
  • Duke
  • Kansas State
  • NC State
  • Kentucky
  • Tennessee
  • Oklahoma
  • West Virginia
  • Alabama
  • Baylor
  • Georgia Tech
  • Maryland
  • Michigan State
  • Creighton
  • Oklahoma State
  • Illinois

Other teams receiving votes include California, Utah, Louisville, South Dakota State, Florida State, Richmond, Michigan, Mississippi, James Madison, Vanderbilt, and Harvard.

Impact of the Latest Games

South Carolina vs. UConn

In a highly anticipated matchup, the South Carolina Gamecocks faced off against the UConn Huskies. Despite South Carolina’s impressive 71-game home winning streak, UConn dominated the game, securing an 87-58 victory.

The Huskies’ performance was highlighted by their exceptional three-point shooting and the stellar play of freshman forward Sarah Strong, who nearly achieved a double-double in the first half. Guard Azzi Fudd led all scorers with 28 points, and guard Paige Bueckers recorded a double-double with 12 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. This win has positioned UConn as the new favorites to win the NCAA Tournament, according to ESPN Bet.

USC’s JuJu Watkins Shines Against UCLA

USC’s sophomore guard JuJu Watkins delivered a remarkable performance against the undefeated No. 1 ranked UCLA Bruins. Watkins scored 38 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, blocked 8 shots, and dished out 5 assists, leading USC to a 71-60 victory.

This win marks USC’s second triumph over a No. 1 ranked opponent in program history. Despite a strong showing from UCLA’s Lauren Betts, who scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, the Bruins couldn’t overcome the Trojans on the road.

Challenges and Triumphs for Top Teams

Both USC and UCLA faced challenges in their subsequent games. USC narrowly defeated Washington with a 69-64 win, thanks to a strong fourth-quarter performance. Meanwhile, UCLA overcame Michigan State in a contentious game that ended with a controversial technical foul assessed to the Spartans’ bench. The Bruins secured a 75-69 victory, but the decision left many questioning the officiating.

Upcoming NCAA Tournament and Selection Show

With just 27 days until the NCAA Selection Show, the anticipation for March Madness is building. The committee’s first top-16 ranking provides insight into which teams might host the first two rounds of the tournament.

This year, the women’s game has adopted the quad system used in the men’s tournament, which evaluates the strength of wins and losses based on the daily NET rankings. This system aims to minimize subjective assessments and emphasize the quality of wins and losses.

Key Factors for Tournament Success

Several factors will influence the success of teams in the upcoming tournament:

  • Strength of Schedule: Teams with strong schedules and multiple quad one wins are likely to secure higher seeds.
  • Player Performance: Standout performances from key players, such as JuJu Watkins and Azzi Fudd, can propel teams to victory.
  • Injury Reports: The health and availability of star players, like UCLA’s Lauren Betts, will be crucial in determining outcomes.

Conclusion

The latest AP top 25 rankings and top-16 reveal have set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the women’s college basketball season.

With intense rivalries, standout performances, and the adoption of the quad system, this year’s tournament promises to be one of the most competitive and thrilling in recent memory.

As we approach March Madness, fans and teams alike will be eagerly watching to see how the final weeks of the season unfold.

For more detailed information on the latest rankings and game highlights, visit SB Nation.

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