As the women’s college basketball season inches closer to March, the competition intensifies, leading to significant shifts in the latest power rankings. While South Carolina and Ohio State maintain their stronghold at the top, other teams experience movement within the rankings this week.
Under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley, the South Carolina Gamecocks remain poised at the pinnacle, standing just two games away from securing a second consecutive undefeated regular season. To achieve this milestone, South Carolina faces formidable challenges against Arkansas and Tennessee, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to their regular-season campaign. Notably, the last team to achieve a perfect season and subsequently win the national championship was Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies during the 2015-16 season.
Meanwhile, the Ohio State Buckeyes extend their dominance with a remarkable 15-game winning streak, clinching the Big Ten regular-season title. Their recent victory against Michigan solidified their position at the summit. However, a daunting road test awaits the Buckeyes as they face off against Iowa, a team they narrowly defeated in overtime earlier in the season. The matchup presents a significant challenge, especially with Iowa’s home-court advantage and Caitlin Clark’s pursuit of the overall NCAA scoring record.
Amidst the reshuffling of rankings, NC State faces a setback, dropping six spots following losses to North Carolina and Duke. Despite these defeats, both opponents showcase formidable performances, with North Carolina vying for a return to the power rankings and Duke making a notable comeback this week. Duke’s season has been characterized by ups and downs, yet they boast impressive victories against strong opponents like Virginia Tech, Florida State, and Syracuse.
In a triumphant return to the power rankings, UNLV asserts its presence following a hard-fought victory against Boise State. Securing the Mountain West regular-season title and the top seed in the conference tournament for the third consecutive year, UNLV showcases its resilience and determination on the court.
However, not all teams enjoy upward trajectories, as West Virginia and Princeton bid farewell to the power rankings this week. West Virginia’s three consecutive losses and Princeton’s narrow defeat to Columbia mark setbacks for these previously ranked teams.
As the women’s college basketball landscape evolves, the official CBS Sports power rankings offer insights into the shifting dynamics and emerging contenders vying for supremacy in anticipation of March Madness.
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