In the latest developments in women’s college basketball, there have been notable movements in the AP Top 25 Poll, with familiar contenders making significant strides. Led by coaches Kim Mulkey and Geno Auriemma, LSU and UConn have reemerged in the top 10, claiming the 9th and 10th spots, respectively. This ascent comes on the heels of setbacks suffered by NC State and Kansas State, opening up opportunities for these powerhouse programs.
LSU faced adversity in late January, enduring consecutive losses and drawing public criticism from Mulkey regarding defensive shortcomings. However, the Tigers have since rebounded impressively, securing victories in their last six outings. Notably, they avenged a prior defeat to Auburn with a commanding performance fueled by Angel Reese’s stellar 25-point, 20-rebound contribution.
Similarly, LSU and UConn encountered challenges earlier in the month, notably falling short against top-ranked South Carolina and struggling against elite competition with a winless record of 0-4 against top-15 teams. Auriemma’s team faces a critical juncture in maintaining their elite status, particularly with March approaching. Despite these setbacks, UConn has displayed dominance against other opponents, exemplified by a convincing win over Creighton led by Paige Bueckers’ impressive 30-point performance.
Another noteworthy mover in the rankings is UCLA, surging to the 8th position after a commanding victory over Utah, highlighting their prowess on the court. Conversely, Iowa experienced a setback following a decisive defeat to Indiana, resulting in a drop in the rankings.
As the season progresses, these fluctuations underscore the dynamic nature of women’s college basketball, where teams must consistently perform at a high level to maintain their standings in the fiercely competitive landscape.
AP Women’s Basketball Top 25:
The Associated Press women’s college basketball poll rankings depict the top 25 teams, with consideration given to performance, records, and previous rankings.
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