TCU Makes History, Duke Climbs, and Notre Dame Stumbles in Latest Women’s Basketball Poll
It’s been a whirlwind week in women’s college basketball, and the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll is proof that the action is heating up. From historic rankings to surprising tumbles, this week’s shakeup has fans buzzing. Let’s dive into the highlights, starting with a team that’s making history.
TCU Cracks the Top 10 for the First Time
Move over, history books—there’s a new chapter being written in Fort Worth. The TCU Horned Frogs have achieved their highest ranking ever, climbing eight spots to land at No. 9 in the latest AP poll. This marks the first time the program has cracked the top 10, surpassing their previous best ranking of 13th back in 2004. The leap comes after a convincing win over Notre Dame, a victory that sent shockwaves through the rankings.
TCU’s rise is a testament to their strong start this season, as they now boast an 8-0 record. The Horned Frogs are proving they’re not just a flash in the pan—they’re here to compete with the best of the best.
Notre Dame’s Rough Week
While TCU is celebrating, it’s a different story for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish, who were ranked No. 3 last week, have plummeted seven spots to No. 10 after a tough stretch in the Cayman Islands. Losses to both TCU and Utah have left the Irish reeling and looking for answers. With a 5-2 record, they’ll need to regroup quickly, especially with a marquee matchup against Texas looming this week.
UCLA and UConn Hold Steady at the Top
At the top of the rankings, it’s business as usual for UCLA and UConn. The Bruins remain No. 1, earning 25 first-place votes after winning three games in three days during a Thanksgiving tournament in Hawaii. UConn, sitting at No. 2, picked up the remaining seven first-place votes after two wins in the Bahamas.
Following the top two are South Carolina, Texas, and LSU, rounding out the top five. LSU made a notable jump, leapfrogging USC to claim the No. 5 spot.
Duke’s Decade-High Ranking
Another team making waves is Duke. The Blue Devils climbed five spots to No. 8 after an impressive showing in Las Vegas, where they defeated then-No. 9 Kansas State and No. 8 Oklahoma. This is Duke’s highest ranking in a decade, matching their No. 8 spot from November 24, 2014. With an 8-1 record, the Blue Devils are proving they’re a force to be reckoned with this season.
Who’s In, Who’s Out
The latest poll also saw some changes at the bottom of the rankings:
- In: Both Michigan and Michigan State entered the poll for the first time this season. The last time both schools were ranked simultaneously was January 4, 2021.
- Out: NC State dropped out after 24 consecutive weeks in the Top 25. The Wolfpack’s 4-3 record includes losses to three top-10 teams: South Carolina, TCU, and LSU. Oregon also fell out of the rankings.
Alabama’s Rising Tide
One of the week’s biggest movers is Alabama, which climbed four spots to No. 19. The Crimson Tide are off to an 8-0 start, their best since the 2020-21 season, and this marks their highest ranking in 25 years. They’ll look to keep the momentum going in a Monday matinee against Georgia State.
Conference Breakdown
The Big Ten continues to dominate the rankings, with nine teams in the Top 25—the most of any conference. The SEC follows with seven teams, while the ACC and Big 12 each have four. The Big East has one representative in the poll.
Game of the Week
Circle your calendars for Thursday, when No. 4 Texas takes on No. 10 Notre Dame in the SEC/ACC Challenge. This matchup features two of the best duos in the game: Texas stars Madison Booker and Rori Harmon will face off against Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo. With the Irish looking to snap a two-game losing streak, this game promises to be a thriller.
As the season heats up, one thing is clear: the race for the top is as competitive as ever. Stay tuned for more drama, upsets, and standout performances in the weeks to come.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
