Women's Basketball: AP Top 25 Poll updated with Selection Sunday looming
As a myriad of conference tournaments find their champions and some continue to rage on, the Women’s Basketball AP Top 25 Poll has been updated with Selection Sunday looming.
Some major champions were crowned over the weekend, like the South Carolina Gamecocks in the SEC, the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the ACC and the USC Trojans in the Pac-12. We’re still yet to crown a tournament champion in the Big 12 and Mountain West, among others, but that’ll get settled over the next couple of days.
Of course, there was some other drama, like the altercation that took place between the aforementioned Gamecocks and the LSU Tigers in the SEC Tournament finale. Nevertheless, our attention has been turned towards the updated poll. Check it out below.
1. South Carolina
South Carolina continued their dominance in the SEC Tournament. The Gamecocks were able to hold on, amid drama, and remain undefeated on their way towards clinching their conference title over LSU.
Now, the Gamecocks will be an overwhelming favorite in the NCAA Tournament. We’ll see if they can complete a legendary run with a title.
2. Iowa
To no one’s surprise, Iowa was able to ride Caitlin Clark to a Big Ten title over the weekend. However, it wasn’t easy, as Nebraska took the Hawkeyes to overtime in the finale of the event.
Nevertheless, the Hawkeyes believe they have unfinished business in the NCAA Tournament. We’ll see if they can make good on their potential over the next couple of weeks.
3. USC
The Trojans accomplished an awesome feat over the weekend, defeating Stanford to win the Pac-12 title. The Cardinal were disappointed, but USC proved they’re one of the best teams in the nation.
At 26-5 on the campaign, USC will be a popular pick to win the NCAA Tournament, riding their wave of momentum. We’ll see how high they can climb.
4. Stanford
Stanford has consistently been among the best teams in the nation throughout the season. However, they weren’t able to close the deal in the Pac-12 Tournament.
The Cardinal made it to the final, but fell to the USC Trojans by 13. Stanford will be looking for a bounce-back win early in the NCAA Tournament, and hoping to add some hardware to their collection.
5. Texas
The Longhorns haven’t finished their Big 12 Tournament story just yet. Texas has a matchup with Kansas State in the Semifinals on Monday afternoon.
They’re coming off a huge win over the Kansas Jayhawks in the Quarterfinal. We’ll see if the Longhorns can continue their trek and move ahead in search of a Big 12 title.
6. UCLA
The Bruins fell in double overtime during the Pac-12 Tournament, to the eventual champions in USC. It stings, but at least UCLA made it to the Semifinals.
Now, they’ll be looking to ascend higher in the NCAA Tournament. It’ll be tough, but UCLA’s proven to have a squad capable of making a run over the last couple of months.
7. Ohio State
Ohio State left the Big Ten Tournament feeling disappointed. They were eliminated in the Quarterfinals, falling to Maryland by over 20 points in a blowout.
Now, the Buckeyes will be looking for redemption. They’ve been consistent in 2023-2024, and now they’re motivated to put an ugly loss behind them in quick fashion.
8. LSU
The reigning champions couldn’t overcome South Carolina in the SEC Tournament. However, nobody has been able to all season, and the Tigers gave the Gamecocks all they could handle.
LSU will deal with some adversity in the NCAA Tournament, and this is still a team nobody will want to be matched up against, as they look to go back-to-back.
9. Notre Dame
Notre Dame came up big in the ACC Tournament, capturing the title at the end of the road over NC State. It was a close game, but the Fighting Irish were able to get the dub by four points, and they’re ready for the NCAA Tournament.
The Fighting Irish have been great all season long, and the ACC Tournament proved they can make a run in March, as they look to become immortal over the next month.
10. UConn
The Huskies could join the ranks of conference champions once again on Monday. They’ll face Georgetown in the Big East Tournament finale on Monday night.
To get there, UConn has absolutely dismantled the competition. In their last game, the Huskies defeated the Marquette Golden Eagles by 29 points.
Women’s Basketball AP Top 25 Poll Continued — 11-25:
11) NC State
12) Oregon State
13) Virginia Tech
14) Gonzaga
15) Indiana
16) Kansas State
17) Oklahoma
18) Colorado
19) Baylor
20) Utah
21) UNLV
22) Syracuse
23) Creighton
24) Louisville
25) Fairfield
Others Receiving Votes: Princeton 24, Michigan St. 12, West Virginia 9, Mississippi 9, Duke 3, Columbia 3, North Carolina 3, Richmond 1, Kansas 1, Toledo 1, Jackson St 1, Iowa St. 1
As you can see, there’s a myriad of fascinating teams and stories as Selection Sunday looms for Women’s Basketball. We’ll see who’s able to get the job done, but it’s going to be settled on the court, not in the polls.