Real or Not: UConn’s Dominance, Tennessee’s Rise, and South Carolina’s Championship Aspirations
Another week of women’s college basketball is in the books, and wow, what a week it was! From thrilling matchups in the SEC/ACC Challenge to powerhouse performances in the Champions Classic, the action on the court gave us plenty to talk about. Let’s dive into the biggest takeaways, overreactions, and storylines from the past week.
Highlight: Lady Vols Edge Seminoles in SEC/ACC Challenge
The Tennessee Lady Vols kept their undefeated streak alive in dramatic fashion, fending off a second-half surge from Florida State to secure a 79-77 victory. Zee Spearman’s clutch jumper in the final minute sealed the deal, giving Tennessee a hard-fought win in the SEC/ACC Challenge. The Lady Vols are now 7-0, and their momentum is undeniable.
SEC/ACC Challenge: SEC Takes the Crown
The SEC flexed its muscles in the SEC/ACC Challenge, finishing with a 10-6 record over the ACC. The event featured some marquee matchups, including:
- Oklahoma defeating Louisville
- LSU taking down Stanford
- North Carolina besting Kentucky
- Notre Dame edging Texas
- NC State defeating Ole Miss
- South Carolina dominating Duke
It was a statement week for the SEC, proving once again why it’s one of the toughest conferences in women’s college basketball.
UConn Will Run the Table This Season
UConn entered the season with sky-high expectations, and so far, they’ve delivered. The Huskies are 8-0, with impressive Top 25 wins over UNC, Ole Miss, and Louisville. Saturday’s 85-52 demolition of then-No. 22 Louisville was vintage UConn, as they led by as many as 46 points. Even with Paige Bueckers having an off night (eight points on 2-for-11 shooting), the Huskies’ depth shined. Freshman Sarah Strong dazzled with 21 points, while Azzi Fudd added 18 before leaving with a knee injury.
Verdict: OVERREACTION
While UConn looks dominant, going undefeated is a tall order. The Huskies face a gauntlet of ranked opponents in nonconference play, including Notre Dame, Iowa State, USC, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Even with their depth and talent, it’s unlikely they’ll make it through unscathed.
Tennessee Will Challenge for the SEC Title
Under new coach Kim Caldwell, Tennessee has embraced a high-pressure style of play, and it’s paying off. The Lady Vols are forcing an average of 28.3 turnovers per game, second in Division I. Sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper has been a standout, averaging 20.1 points and 2.9 steals per game. Saturday’s 78-68 win over Iowa was a statement victory, but can Tennessee sustain this level of play against SEC powerhouses like South Carolina and LSU?
Verdict: OVERREACTION
While Tennessee’s start is promising, the SEC is a different beast. The Lady Vols will face tougher competition in South Carolina, LSU, and Texas, all of whom boast elite guards and strong defenses. Matching the success of former coach Kellie Harper would be a win for Caldwell, but dethroning South Carolina as SEC champions seems unlikely.
South Carolina Will Repeat as National Champion
After a shocking loss to UCLA last month, South Carolina has bounced back in dominant fashion. The Gamecocks have three Top 10 wins this season, including an 85-52 rout of TCU on Sunday. Freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley has been a revelation, leading the team with 20 points against TCU.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION
South Carolina’s depth and talent make them a strong contender to go back-to-back. Coach Dawn Staley has adapted to a new style of play, relying more on guard play, and the results have been impressive. The Gamecocks are figuring it out, and that should terrify their opponents.
Hannah Hidalgo: Player of the Year Contender
Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo is making a strong case for National Player of the Year. The sophomore guard dropped 30 points in an overtime win against Texas and leads the country with 4.1 steals per game. Hidalgo’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses sets her apart, and her head-to-head matchup with Paige Bueckers on Thursday will be must-watch TV.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION
Hidalgo has been more consistent and efficient than her peers, including USC’s JuJu Watkins. If she continues at this pace, she could challenge Bueckers for the top individual honor in college basketball.
The Big 12 Lacks a Final Four Contender
The Big 12 has struggled to produce a standout team this season. Kansas State, Iowa State, Baylor, and TCU have all shown flashes but lack the consistency to make a deep tournament run. History isn’t on their side either, as only three current Big 12 members have ever reached the Final Four.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION
The Big 12 race will be competitive, but none of its teams look poised to make it to Tampa. The conference will need to step up if it wants to change that narrative.
Originally Written by: Alexa Philippou
