Women’s College Basketball: Top 5 Must-Watch Matchups This Week

This week, women’s college basketball is set to deliver some of the most thrilling matchups of the season as February heats up. With five elite Top 12 matchups, fans are in for a treat. The games feature powerhouse teams like UCLA, USC, Texas, Kentucky, UConn, South Carolina, NC State, North Carolina, LSU, and Texas.

Each team is vying for crucial wins that could shape their postseason destinies. Let’s dive into these exciting matchups and see what each game has in store.

UCLA Bruins vs. USC Trojans: A Crosstown Showdown

The No. 1 UCLA Bruins and No. 6 USC Trojans are set to face off in a highly anticipated women’s college basketball matchup on Thursday night. The game is scheduled to take place at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California, with a tip-off at 10:00 PM ET.

UCLA’s Unbeaten Streak

UCLA enters the game with an impressive 23-0 record. They boast a strong offense that averages 80.6 points per game and a stingy defense allowing just 54.7 points per contest. Led by center Lauren Betts, the Bruins will look to continue their winning streak against their cross-town rivals.

USC’s Offensive Powerhouse

USC, with a 21-2 record, aims to hand UCLA their first loss of the season. The Trojans are led by star player JuJu Watkins, who averages 23.9 points per game. USC’s potent offense scores 83.2 points per game, making this matchup an exciting clash of styles.

Will UCLA’s strong defense be enough to secure their 24th win, or will USC’s high-powered offense and Watkins’ individual brilliance propel them to victory?

Texas Longhorns vs. Kentucky Wildcats: Battle in Lexington

The Texas Longhorns are heading to Lexington to face off against the Kentucky Wildcats in a thrilling women’s college basketball matchup on Thursday night. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM ET at Memorial Coliseum and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Texas’s Dominant Season

Texas, ranked No. 3 with a 24-2 record, has been outscoring opponents by 27.0 points per game, with a +702 scoring differential overall. Madison Booker leads the team with 16.5 points per game, contributing significantly to their incredible season.

Kentucky’s Home-Court Advantage

Kentucky, currently ranked No. 8 with a 19-3 record, has won 13 straight home games. Led by Georgia Amoore, who averages 19.2 points per game, the Wildcats have all five starters averaging double figures in scoring.

Will Kentucky’s home-court advantage and Amoore’s scoring prowess be enough to take down the Longhorns, or will Texas’s dominant offense and defense lead them to victory?

UConn Huskies vs. South Carolina Gamecocks: A Historic Matchup

The UConn Huskies are gearing up to face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks in a thrilling women’s college basketball matchup on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The game is scheduled to tip off at 1:00 PM ET at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. For the first time, ESPN’s College GameDay is set to air before a women’s game with this elite matchup.

UConn’s High-Powered Offense

UConn, currently ranked No. 7 with a 22-3 record, has been on a roll. Their only losses came against Notre Dame, USC, and a recent setback at Tennessee. They are led by a strong offense, averaging 84.5 points per game, and a stingy defense, allowing just 54.8 points per contest.

South Carolina’s Stifling Defense

South Carolina, boasting a 22-2 record and ranked No. 4, has been dominating the competition. The defending champs’ only losses are against No. 3 Texas and No. 1 UCLA. They are led by a balanced offense, with multiple players scoring in double figures, and a strong defense that’s allowing just 51.3 points per game.

This matchup promises to be an intense battle between two of the top teams and coaches in the history of women’s college basketball. Will UConn’s high-powered offense be enough to take down the Gamecocks, or will South Carolina’s stifling defense lead them to victory?

NC State Wolfpack vs. North Carolina Tar Heels: ACC Rivals Clash

The North Carolina State Wolfpack are gearing up to face off against their rivals, the North Carolina Tar Heels, in a thrilling women’s college basketball matchup on Sunday. NC State has been on a roll, with recent wins over Duke and Florida State this month, propelling them to the No. 8 spot in the latest CBS Sports women’s college basketball power rankings.

NC State’s Potent Offense

The Wolfpack’s offense has been clicking, and their defense has been solid. They will need to find ways to break through the Tar Heels’ defense to secure a victory.

North Carolina’s Strong Defense

The Tar Heels have been performing well, with a current ranking of No. 12. They’ve had impressive wins, including a recent game against Georgia Tech. North Carolina’s defense has been stifling, holding opponents to around 48 points per game.

This matchup promises to be an intense battle between two of the top teams in the ACC. Will NC State’s high-powered offense overcome North Carolina’s strong defense?

LSU Lady Tigers vs. Texas Longhorns: A Showdown in Austin

The LSU Lady Tigers are set to face off against the Texas Longhorns in a thrilling women’s college basketball matchup on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET.

LSU’s High-Powered Offense

LSU, currently ranked No. 5, boasts a strong offense, averaging 87.4 points per game, and a solid defense, allowing 64.0 points per game. They are led by Flau’Jae Johnson, who averages 19.6 points per game, Aneesah Morrow, who contributes 18.2, and Mikaylah Williams, who adds 17.0 points per game.

Texas’s Balanced Attack

Texas, ranked No. 3, has been impressive this season. They have a potent offense and stingy defense. The Longhorns are led by Madison Booker, who averages 16.5 points per game. Taylor Jones and Rori Harmon are top contributors as well.

This matchup promises to be an intense battle between two of the top teams in the country. Will LSU’s high-powered offense be enough to take down the Longhorns, or will Texas’s strong defense lead them to victory?

As we inch closer to conference tournaments and March Madness, these massive matchups will be defining moments in women’s college basketball. Each team has built a top resume and will be looking to close out the season with statement quadrant one wins for the selection committee.

Landing the coveted Top 16 teams for seeds and home first and second-round games in the NCAA Tournament will be crucial for the postseason. For more detailed previews and analysis, check out the full article on Stadium Rant.