Top Women’s College Basketball Teams December Power Rankings Revealed
As December wound down in the women’s college basketball season, the landscape started to snap into focus. Teams tightened up their rotations and figured out who they were, dealing with all sorts of adversity along the way.
This stretch really showed which programs can keep their edge no matter the opponent or the atmosphere. The powerhouses at the top stayed steady, but the jumble in the middle hinted that this season might have more depth than usual.
Here’s a quick look at where things stand as December wraps up, with a spotlight on the top programs and how they’ve performed.
Top Contenders: UConn, Texas, and South Carolina
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The University of Connecticut (UConn) just keeps operating on another level. Their defense is disciplined, their offense is ruthlessly efficient, and you could see all of that in their late-December outings.
UConn adapts on the fly, no matter who’s on the floor. That flexibility keeps them front and center in national conversations.
UConn’s Dominance
UConn’s recent games pretty much summed up their whole season:
- Sharp ball movement
- Consistent spacing
- Ability to suffocate opponents before halftime
They don’t let opponents control the pace, whether they’re hitting from deep or dominating inside. UConn’s experience in big moments just makes them even tougher.
Texas: Imposing Their Will
Texas ended December looking almost inevitable. Their physicality hits hard from the jump, and their depth keeps the pressure on.
The offense can score from anywhere, and the defense feeds off turnovers. Texas isn’t just winning—they’re setting the tone and making a statement every time out.
South Carolina’s Balance and Resilience
South Carolina’s late-December play backed up their reputation for balance and resilience. They might not always be flashy, but their execution is sharp and their defense is among the best.
They rotate players without dropping intensity, which says a lot about both the roster and the coaching. Offensively, South Carolina stays patient, waits for the right shot, and punishes mistakes. Even with a quieter holiday stretch, they looked locked in and ready for what’s coming.
Emerging Threats: UCLA, LSU, and Maryland
Some programs really started to stand out in December, showing growth and a real shot at challenging the favorites. UCLA, LSU, and Maryland are making moves.
UCLA’s Growth
UCLA handled pressure with real poise, staying calm even when momentum swung. Their offense looks best when the ball zips side to side, and that rhythm was clear in late December.
On defense, they cleaned up possessions and owned the boards. Altogether, UCLA looks like a team that can win anywhere, even in tough environments.
LSU’s Offensive Firepower
LSU closed December with a bang, leaning into their offense while tightening up on defense. The Tigers can score in bunches, but what really stood out was their discipline.
- Limited turnovers
- Improved shot selection
- Consistent bench contributions
Sure, there are still questions about how this will hold up against really physical teams. But LSU showed they can overwhelm just about anyone on their schedule.
Maryland’s Peak Performance
Maryland looked like they hit their stride at just the right time. They ran the floor well, crashed the boards, and grabbed control of games early.
Their offense spreads the ball around, so defenses can’t just focus on one player. On defense, they play physically but don’t lose their spots. Maryland’s mix of aggression and control makes them a real threat heading into the new year.
Consistent Performers: Michigan, TCU, and Oklahoma
Consistency matters in college hoops, and a few teams kept things steady all December. Michigan, TCU, and Oklahoma kept the bar high.
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Michigan’s Steadiness
Michigan’s December wasn’t flashy, but that steady approach has put them on the map. The Wolverines run their sets cleanly, don’t force shots, and stay solid on defense.
They scored efficiently and locked down the perimeter. Even when the pace slowed, Michigan stayed composed and stuck to what works.
TCU’s Discipline
TCU stayed unbeaten in December thanks to discipline. The Horned Frogs don’t make many mistakes, value every possession, and talk well on defense.
On offense, they rely on spacing and timing instead of isolation. Even with a quieter schedule, TCU’s habits look built to last.
Oklahoma’s Quiet Confidence
Oklahoma wrapped up December with a quiet confidence. Their offense is methodical, using movement to find mismatches instead of just relying on speed.
On defense, they push opponents into tough, late-clock shots. What really popped was their in-game adjustments—changing up defensive looks and tweaking the offense as needed. That kind of adaptability should serve them well in conference play.
Programs on the Rise: Iowa State, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt
Some teams are trending up and could shake things up as the season rolls on. Iowa State, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt all showed real momentum in December.
Iowa State’s Confidence
Iowa State didn’t lose a game in December, and it’s clear they’re clicking. The Cyclones create good shots with ball movement and spacing, and their defense often sparks runs.
Even with a lighter holiday slate, they stayed focused. Iowa State’s biggest strength might be their confidence—players trust the system and each other, which leads to a disciplined but assertive style.
Kentucky’s Growing Identity
Kentucky’s December showed a team getting more comfortable in its own skin. The Wildcats mix strong inside play with better outside shooting, making them tough to plan for.
They’ve gotten more physical on defense without losing discipline. Their ability to build and hold leads looks like a sign of maturity. December brought plenty of reasons for optimism.
Vanderbilt’s Efficiency
Vanderbilt finished December on a high, showing they can score in bunches but still keep things structured. The Commodores push the tempo when it’s there, but they’re just as comfortable in half-court sets.
Their defense pressures opponents into mistakes, leading to easy transition points. December made it clear—Vanderbilt is one of the most efficient and disciplined teams outside the usual heavyweights.
Conclusion: A Season of Intrigue and Balance
As December ended, the national picture looked both clearer and more mysterious. A handful of programs pulled ahead with consistent dominance.
The middle tier, though, stayed crowded. Competitive balance feels stronger than ever.
December’s games weren’t just about wins or losses. They showed habits, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that matter as the season moves forward.
League schedules are coming up, and the intensity will only get higher. The late December hierarchy now serves as a benchmark, but it’s also a challenge.
Some teams will lock in their spots. Others might surge, and a few could slip out of the picture.
Honestly, it’s tough to say who’s going to rise or fall. But the groundwork laid in December will shape the storylines for the rest of the season.