Power Conference Tournaments Impact AP Top 25 Rankings

As the NCAA women’s basketball tournament approaches, the excitement is palpable. The power conferences have crowned their champions, and the smaller conferences are wrapping up their tournaments.

With the latest AP Top 25 rankings released, we see significant movement among the top teams. This blog post delves into the key stats and upcoming matches for the top 25 teams, offering a comprehensive overview of the current landscape in women’s college basketball.

South Carolina Dominates SEC Championship

South Carolina showcased their dominance with a resounding 19-point victory over Texas in the SEC championship game. This win marked their largest margin of victory in SEC championship history.

The Gamecocks, with a stellar 30-3 record, are poised for a strong run in the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

The Gamecocks’ victory over Texas ended the Longhorns’ 15-game winning streak, which was the longest active win streak by a major conference team.

UCLA Triumphs in Big Ten Title Game

UCLA clinched their first Big Ten conference championship since 2006 by defeating USC. This victory was particularly sweet as it avenged two regular-season losses to the Trojans.

With a 30-2 record, the Bruins are entering the NCAA tournament with significant momentum.

Key Stat to Know

UCLA’s win in the Big Ten title game made them the fifth team in a current major conference to win the tournament in its first season in the league.

UConn’s Winning Streak Continues

UConn has been on a tear, winning nine straight games since their loss to Tennessee. With eight of those victories coming by 20 or more points, the Huskies are a force to be reckoned with.

They will face Creighton in the Big East tournament final.

Key Stat to Know

UConn has a 30-3 record and has been dominant in their recent games, showcasing their offensive and defensive prowess.

USC’s Streak Ends in Big Ten Championship

USC suffered their first loss in 50 games when leading by at least 10 points in their defeat to UCLA. Despite this setback, the Trojans have had a remarkable season with a 28-3 record and are gearing up for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

USC led UCLA 48-35 early in the third quarter but couldn’t maintain their lead, highlighting the intensity and unpredictability of college basketball.

Texas Falls in SEC Final

Texas’ impressive 15-game winning streak came to an end with their loss to South Carolina in the SEC title game. The Longhorns, with a 31-3 record, will look to bounce back in the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

This loss was Texas’ third-longest winning streak in the past 35 seasons, underscoring their consistent performance this year.

TCU Secures First Conference Title Since 2005

TCU made history by winning their first conference title since 2005 and earning their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2010. With a 31-3 record, the Horned Frogs are a team to watch.

Key Stat to Know

TCU’s success this season is a testament to their hard work and determination, marking a significant milestone for the program.

Duke’s Bench Power in ACC Final

Duke’s Oluchi Okananwa delivered a standout performance in the ACC final, becoming the first Duke player in 25 years to score at least 20 points and grab 10 rebounds off the bench in a conference tournament game.

Duke, with a 26-7 record, is set for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Okananwa’s contribution off the bench highlights the depth and versatility of the Duke roster.

Notre Dame’s Defensive Prowess

Notre Dame’s strong defense has been a key factor in their success this season. Despite losing to Duke in the ACC semifinals, the Fighting Irish have a 26-5 record and are ready for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Notre Dame was 26-0 when holding teams under 75 points, underscoring their defensive strength.

NC State’s Halftime Lead Slips Away

NC State experienced a rare loss when leading at halftime in their ACC championship game against Duke. With a 26-6 record, the Wolfpack are gearing up for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

NC State was 22-0 when leading at halftime before their loss to Duke, highlighting the competitive nature of the ACC.

LSU’s Struggles Against Top Teams

LSU’s loss to Texas in the SEC semifinals dropped them to 2-23 all-time against AP No. 1 opponents. The Tigers, with a 28-5 record, are preparing for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

LSU’s last win against an AP No. 1 opponent was in 2008, showing the challenge of competing against top-ranked teams.

Oklahoma’s Star Player Shines

Payton Verhulst of Oklahoma had a stellar performance in the SEC semifinal loss to South Carolina, recording 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists.

The Sooners, with a 25-7 record, are set for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Verhulst’s five games with at least 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists are the second most in the league this season.

North Carolina’s ACC Semifinal Appearance

North Carolina made their first appearance in the ACC semifinal round since 2014, marking a significant achievement for the program.

With a 27-7 record, the Tar Heels are ready for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

North Carolina’s journey to the ACC semifinals highlights their growth and potential this season.

Kentucky’s Standout Performance

Georgia Amoore of Kentucky delivered an impressive performance in the SEC quarterfinal loss to Oklahoma, becoming the fifth player to reach 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in an SEC tournament game over the past 15 seasons.

Kentucky, with a 22-7 record, is preparing for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Amoore’s standout performance underscores her importance to the Kentucky team.

Baylor’s Struggles Against TCU

Baylor faced a challenging season against TCU, going 0-3 after having a perfect record against the Horned Frogs since they joined the Big 12 in the 2012-13 season.

With a 27-7 record, Baylor is looking forward to the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Baylor’s previous dominance over TCU highlights the competitive nature of this season.

Ohio State’s Second-Chance Struggles

Ohio State was outscored 22-4 in second-chance points in their Big Ten semifinal loss to UCLA.

With a 25-6 record, the Buckeyes are gearing up for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Ohio State’s struggle with second-chance points highlights an area for improvement as they prepare for the tournament.

West Virginia’s Star Player

JJ Quinerly of West Virginia has six 30-point games in her career, tied for the most in program history.

The Mountaineers, with a 24-7 record, are ready for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Quinerly’s scoring ability makes her a key player to watch in the upcoming tournament.

Oklahoma State’s Comeback Victory

Sophomore Stailee Heard scored 24 of her 34 points in the second half as Oklahoma State rallied to beat Texas Tech in the Big 12 quarterfinal.

The Cowgirls, with a 25-6 record, are preparing for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Heard’s performance highlights her ability to deliver in clutch moments.

Maryland’s Defensive Challenges

Maryland allowed 98 points in their Big Ten quarterfinal loss to Michigan, the most they have allowed in a conference tournament game in the past 25 years.

With a 23-7 record, the Terrapins are looking to tighten their defense for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Maryland’s back-to-back games allowing 90 points highlight a need for defensive adjustments.

Kansas State’s Scoring Fluctuations

Kansas State scored 33 points in the first quarter and 36 in the remainder of their Big 12 quarterfinal loss to West Virginia.

With a 26-7 record, the Wildcats are preparing for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Kansas State’s scoring fluctuations highlight the importance of consistency in tournament play.

Tennessee’s Historic Losses

Tennessee fell to Vanderbilt for the second time this season in the SEC tournament, a first in their 35-season history of multiple meetings.

The Lady Vols, with a 22-9 record, are gearing up for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Tennessee’s historic losses to Vanderbilt underscore the competitive nature of their rivalry.

Alabama’s Double-Double Performance

Karly Weathers of Alabama recorded 10 rebounds and 10 assists in their SEC tournament loss to Florida, becoming the first Alabama player to do so since 2013.

The Crimson Tide, with a 23-8 record, are preparing for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Weathers’ double-double performance highlights her versatility and impact on the game.

Creighton’s Largest Victory Margin

Creighton secured their largest margin of victory this season with a 73-44 win over Seton Hall in the Big East semifinal.

The Bluejays, with a 26-5 record, will face UConn in the Big East tournament final.

Key Stat to Know

Creighton’s dominant win sets the stage for an exciting final against UConn.

Florida State’s Scoring Struggles

Florida State, the No. 2 scoring team in the country, fell to 3-7 when held under 80 points in their ACC quarterfinal loss to North Carolina.

With a 23-8 record, the Seminoles are preparing for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Florida State’s scoring struggles highlight the importance of maintaining their offensive output in the tournament.

South Dakota State’s Winning Streak

South Dakota State extended their winning streak to 19 games overall and 59 against conference opponents with their Summit League championship win over Oral Roberts.

The Jackrabbits, with a 29-3 record, are ready for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

South Dakota State’s impressive winning streak makes them a formidable opponent in the tournament.

Ole Miss’ Historic Performance

KK Deans of Ole Miss made history with five 3-pointers in their SEC tournament quarterfinal loss to Texas, becoming the first Ole Miss player to achieve this since 2014.

The Rebels, with a 20-10 record, are preparing for the NCAA tournament.

Key Stat to Know

Deans’ performance highlights her shooting prowess and potential impact in the tournament.

As the NCAA women’s basketball tournament approaches, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive postseason.

For more detailed statistics and insights, visit the full AP Top 25 rankings and analysis.