Michigan State Women Drop in Latest AP Top 25 Poll

In the latest developments in women’s college basketball, the Michigan State women’s basketball team has experienced a significant shift in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.

This week, the Spartans dropped four spots to land at No. 20, following a mixed performance in their recent games.

Meanwhile, the rankings saw several other notable changes, including a surprising drop for Southern Cal and continued dominance by UCLA, South Carolina, and Notre Dame.

Michigan State’s Rollercoaster Week

The Michigan State Spartans, now ranked No. 20, had a week of highs and lows.

They started by seeing their five-game winning streak come to an end with a narrow 63-59 loss to Oregon. However, they bounced back by defeating Northwestern 89-75.

With an overall record of 18-4 and a conference record of 8-3 in the Big Ten, the Spartans are still in a strong position but must remain vigilant as the season progresses.

Impact on Rankings

This week’s AP Top 25 poll reflects the team’s recent performance. The Spartans’ drop to No. 20 underscores the competitive nature of the rankings and the importance of each game as the season moves forward.

Their journey ahead will be crucial in determining their final standing.

Southern Cal’s Unexpected Fall

Southern Cal, which was previously ranked No. 4, experienced a significant setback this week.

The Trojans fell to No. 7 after suffering their second loss of the season. This unexpected defeat came at the hands of the Iowa Hawkeyes, who triumphed 76-69 on a day marked by the retirement of Caitlin Clark’s jersey.

Southern Cal’s only other loss this season was against Notre Dame back in November.

Shifts in the Top 10

The Trojans’ drop allowed other teams to move up in the rankings. Texas, UConn, and LSU each climbed one spot, now sitting at fourth, fifth, and sixth respectively.

Ohio State, TCU, and Duke maintained their positions, rounding out the top ten.

These changes highlight the dynamic nature of the rankings and the fierce competition among the top teams.

UCLA’s Continued Dominance

UCLA remains the top team in the country, holding onto the No. 1 spot with a perfect 21-0 record.

The Bruins received all 32 first-place votes from the national media panel, solidifying their position as the team to beat.

Their lone game last week saw them comfortably defeat Minnesota 79-53, further cementing their status as the only unbeaten team in the nation.

Top Three Teams

Alongside UCLA, South Carolina and Notre Dame continue to hold strong at the second and third spots, respectively.

South Carolina’s victories over then-No. 18 Tennessee and Auburn, along with the jersey retirement of A’ja Wilson, added to their impressive season.

Notre Dame, with a record of 19-2, remains a formidable force in the rankings.

Notable Teams and Performances

Several teams have made significant strides this season, showcasing their potential and resilience.

Kentucky, now ranked No. 11, has achieved its highest ranking in four years under first-year coach Kenny Brooks. The Wildcats, with a 19-2 record, are preparing for a challenging stretch in the SEC schedule, including matchups against South Carolina, LSU, Texas, and Tennessee.

Other Key Teams

Other notable teams include Kansas State at No. 12, North Carolina at No. 13, and NC State at No. 14. Oklahoma, Maryland, and Georgia Tech also made notable moves within the rankings, reflecting their strong performances this season.

The Southeastern Conference continues to dominate with eight teams in the rankings, followed by the ACC with seven, the Big Ten with five, the Big 12 with four, and the Big East with one.

Teams on the Rise

While the top teams continue to hold their positions, several others are making their presence felt.

Florida State, Alabama, and Vanderbilt have all secured spots in the rankings, demonstrating their growth and potential.

Additionally, teams like Creighton, Baylor, and Illinois received votes, indicating their potential to break into the Top 25 in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

The latest AP Top 25 poll in women’s college basketball highlights the dynamic and competitive nature of the sport.

With teams like Michigan State and Southern Cal experiencing significant shifts, and UCLA continuing to dominate, the stage is set for an exciting remainder of the season.

Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching as the teams battle it out for supremacy and a chance at the national title.

Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as we continue to cover the thrilling world of women’s college basketball.