|

Texas Tops Women’s College Basketball Rankings, Notre Dame Drops

ByCoach

The latest AP Top 25 poll in women’s college basketball has brought significant changes. Texas has ascended to the No. 1 spot for the first time since 2004, replacing Notre Dame. The Longhorns’ impressive performance has earned them the top position. Meanwhile, Notre Dame fell to No. 3 after a thrilling double-overtime loss to NC State, which has now entered the top 10.

This season has been marked by intense competition and parity, with four different teams holding the No. 1 spot at various times. The 2024-25 campaign could be historic if a fifth team ascends to the top. Georgia Tech and Illinois have dropped out of the rankings, while Florida State and Louisville have reentered.

Texas Takes the Top Spot

Texas has made a remarkable ascent to the No. 1 position in the latest AP Top 25 poll, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2004. Under the leadership of Vic Schaefer, the Longhorns have demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience. This impressive run has solidified their status as a formidable force in women’s college basketball.

Key Factors Behind Texas’s Success

The Longhorns’ rise to the top can be attributed to several key factors:

  • Strong Leadership: Vic Schaefer’s strategic acumen and ability to motivate his team have been pivotal.
  • Consistent Performance: Texas has maintained a high level of play, particularly in crucial games against top-ranked opponents.
  • Team Cohesion: The players have shown excellent teamwork and chemistry, which has translated into on-court success.

Notre Dame’s Fall to No. 3

Notre Dame’s drop to the No. 3 spot comes after a heart-wrenching 104-95 double-overtime loss to NC State. Despite their best efforts, the Fighting Irish couldn’t secure the win, resulting in their fall from the top position. This loss highlights the competitive nature of this season, where even the strongest teams are vulnerable.

Impact of the Loss on Notre Dame

The implications of this loss for Notre Dame are significant:

  • Loss of Momentum: The defeat may impact the team’s morale and momentum as they move forward in the season.
  • Increased Pressure: Falling from the top spot adds pressure on the team to perform and reclaim their position.
  • Focus on Improvement: The loss provides an opportunity for the team to identify areas for improvement and come back stronger.

NC State’s Rise to the Top 10

NC State’s victory over Notre Dame has propelled them into the top 10, showcasing their potential as a strong contender this season. The Wolfpack’s performance in the double-overtime thriller demonstrated their resilience and capability to compete with the best teams.

Key Players and Strategies

NC State’s rise can be attributed to standout performances and effective strategies:

  • Star Players: Key players have stepped up in crucial moments, delivering outstanding performances.
  • Effective Coaching: The coaching staff has implemented strategies that play to the team’s strengths.
  • Team Depth: The depth of the roster allows for flexibility and adaptability in various game situations.

Parity in Women’s College Basketball

This season has been characterized by remarkable parity, with four different teams – South Carolina, UCLA, Notre Dame, and Texas – holding the No. 1 spot at different times. This level of competition is rare, with only six seasons since 1976 having witnessed such diversity at the top.

Implications for Future Seasons

If this trend continues, the 2024-25 campaign could be historic, potentially seeing five different programs ranked No. 1 in a single season. This would be unprecedented and a testament to the growing competitiveness in women’s college basketball.

Changes in the Rankings

The latest rankings have seen several changes, with some teams dropping out and others making their way back in. Georgia Tech fell out of the rankings after a close loss to Florida State, while Illinois also exited following a defeat to USC. On the other hand, Florida State reentered at No. 24, and Louisville climbed back in at No. 25.

Teams on the Rise

Several teams have shown significant improvement and are on the rise:

  • Florida State: Their win over Georgia Tech has earned them a spot back in the rankings.
  • Louisville: A victory over then-No. 11 Duke and a close game against North Carolina have boosted their ranking.
  • NC State: Their impressive win over Notre Dame has catapulted them into the top 10.

Key Matches to Watch

Several upcoming matches are expected to be crucial in determining the future rankings:

  • Texas vs. UCLA: A showdown between the top two teams could have significant implications for the No. 1 spot.
  • Notre Dame vs. USC: A chance for the Fighting Irish to reclaim their position and regain momentum.
  • NC State vs. North Carolina: A battle between top-10 teams that could further shake up the rankings.

Stay updated with the latest developments in women’s college basketball by visiting CBS Sports.

Related Posts