Women's College Basketball Rankings: AP Top 25 updated following Week 4 of play

Week 4 of the women’s college basketball season coincided with Thanksgiving. Unsurprisingly, there were some massive games around the sport. That included multiple games pitting top-ranked teams against one another and now the AP Top 25 Poll has been updated once again.

There is still plenty of time left this season. However, the Top 10 games this past week did create an interesting shakeup. Now, that is going to help reorient how the teams around the country are being viewed as the calendar turns to December.

This week’s AP Poll will act as a snapshot of the season at the start of December. Here’s a look at how things are shaking out right now.

1. UConn

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, UConn only had one game. It was a Big East game, though, adding to some of the intrigue around it. Then, it was an absolute blowout, with the Huskies beating Xavier 104-39.

Unsurprisingly, UConn is still sitting pretty at the top of the AP Poll. They’ll put that on the line this upcoming week with a pair of games. First, is USF and later UConn will see DePaul.

2. Texas

Texas went into Thanksgiving week ranked highly in the AP Poll. Now, they’ve taken a nice jump up in the rankings, adding wins against UCLA and South Carolina. Now, they’re established as a legit threat to make noise this season.

The Longhorns are going to be tested again this week. Texas will see North Carolina, another AP-ranked team, on Thursday. That’s before returning to mid-major opponents.

3. South Carolina

All eyes were on the South Carolina vs. Texas game on Thanksgiving. That was a battle between two Top 4 teams in the AP Poll and, in the end, the Gamecocks suffered their first loss of the season in a 66-64 game where they were outscored by six points in the fourth quarter. 

Looking to bounce back, South Carolina will be back in action on Thursday. That’s when the Gamecocks are set to take on another major challenge against Louisville.

4. UCLA

It was a busy week for UCLA, with multiple games against AP-ranked teams. That included a loss on Wednesday to Texas. The Bruins have bounced back since then, though, with wins over Duke and Tennessee. 

The major concern going forward for UCLA is the injury status of Lauren Betts. She went down against Texas, missed the Duke game, and played against Tennessee. However, she was down statistically there. So, she’ll look to show she’s improving next Sunday against Oregon in a conference battle.

5. LSU

The LSU Tigers have kept on rolling. Last week that included blowout wins over Marist and Washington State. So, it’s not really a surprise that LSU is still ranked so highly in the AP Poll.

This upcoming week, LSU has an interesting test against Duke. The Blue Devils came into the season with big expectations. However, they’ve also struggled at times against a tough schedule. Still, this is a dangerous game.

6. Michigan

Michigan bounced back from a tough loss to UConn with a pair of nice wins last week. Among those was a comfortable win over Syracuse and a blowout against Detroit Mercy.

The Wolverines will look to continue to cement their spot in the AP Poll this upcoming week. First, it’s another in-state test against Central Michigan. Then, Big Ten play roams with a test against Purdue.

7. Maryland

Maryland added a pair of wins a week ago. That included against Kentucky, who was ranked No. 16 in the AP Poll at the time of play. Of course, that wasn’t just a win for the Terrapins, it was proof of concept for this season.

After one more mid-major non-conference opponent, Maryland is set to begin Big Ten play. That’s coming next Sunday against Minnesota.

8. TCU

TCU has been climbing up the AP Poll rankings this season as they just keep winning. That didn’t change last week, adding wins against Richmond and UAB. 

Next week, the Horned Frogs are set to continue their non-conference slate. It’s another week where TCU will be heavy favorites against a pair of mid-major opponents. That starts up on Wednesday against Incarnate Word.

9. Oklahoma

Picking up after Thanksgiving, Oklahoma added wins over Coppin State and Florida State last week. That Florida State game ended up being a barn burner. 109 points there made for three straight games scoring at least 100 points. 

On Wednesday, Oklahoma is going to be tested by another ACC school in NC State. That should be a major test to see if the Sooners can keep up this success, particularly on offense.

10. Iowa State

Iowa State would stay unbeaten over Thanksgiving. In the process, they’ve maintained their spot in the AP Poll. That included a pair of impressive wins against Marquette and Indiana. So, it’s hard not to think the Cyclones are for real.

The Cyclones won’t be back in action until Sunday. That’s when they’re taking on Northern Illinois. That could end up being a trap game with rival Iowa just around the corner from there.

11. North Carolina
12. Iowa
13. Ole Miss
14. Baylor
15. Vanderbilt
16. USC
17. Kentucky
18. Notre Dame
19. Tennessee
20. Michigan State
21. Washington
22. Louisville
23. Ohio State
24. Oklahoma State
25. West Virginia

Others Receiving Votes: NC State 26, Nebraska 19, Richmond 7, Texas Tech 7, Princeton 6, Oregon 6, Georgia 3, Stanford 2, Fairfield 1, Alabama 1.