Women’s College Basketball Power Rankings: UCLA Bruins Take Over No. 1 Spot
There’s a new queen in town! The UCLA Bruins have officially claimed the No. 1 spot in the ESPN Women’s Basketball Power Rankings, ending the South Carolina Gamecocks’ impressive reign at the top. But that’s not the only shake-up in the rankings this week. The Duke Blue Devils have made a splash, breaking into the top 10 for the first time in recent memory. Let’s dive into the latest developments in women’s college basketball and what they mean for the season ahead.
Duke’s Rise: A Story of Resilience
It’s been a journey for Duke under head coach Kara Lawson. The Blue Devils didn’t even crack the Power Rankings last season, yet they managed to fight their way to the Sweet 16, where they fell to UConn. That capped off a 22-12 season, a significant improvement for a program that has faced its share of challenges.
Lawson took the reins in July 2020, but her first season was cut short when Duke canceled the remainder of its games on Christmas Day due to COVID-19 concerns. At that point, the team had only played four games, the last being a 73-49 loss to Louisville. Since then, Lawson has been steadily rebuilding the program. The Blue Devils went 17-13 in 2021-22 and 26-7 last season, making it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Their Sweet 16 appearance last year was the program’s first since 2018.
Now, Duke is in the midst of a challenging stretch, facing three ranked teams in four games. They started strong with a 73-62 win over No. 9 Kansas State at the Ball Dawgs Classic in Las Vegas. Next up, they’ll take on No. 8 Oklahoma and then travel to face No. 4 South Carolina on Dec. 5. These matchups will test Duke’s mettle and provide a glimpse into their potential as a Final Four contender.
Players to Watch
Duke’s success this season has been fueled by standout performances from junior guard Ashlon Jackson and freshman forward Toby Fournier. Jackson dropped a career-high 30 points against Kansas State and is averaging 15.7 points per game. Fournier, one of the top freshmen in the country, is contributing 12.9 points per game. With these two leading the charge, Duke is poised to make some noise in the ACC and beyond.
UCLA’s Dominance
Meanwhile, the UCLA Bruins are riding high after a statement win over South Carolina. The Bruins didn’t just beat the Gamecocks—they dominated from start to finish in a 77-62 victory. This win snapped South Carolina’s 43-game winning streak and solidified UCLA’s status as the team to beat this season.
UCLA’s success has been a team effort, with six players averaging 9.0 points or more. Center Lauren Betts leads the way with 19.4 points per game. Head coach Cori Close will undoubtedly emphasize the importance of maintaining focus as the Bruins head to the Rainbow Wahine Showdown in Honolulu, where they’ll face UT Martin, Fresno State, and Hawai’i.
Other Teams to Watch
- UConn Huskies: The Huskies remain at No. 2 after a solid 71-52 win over Oregon State. Freshman forward Sarah Strong has been a revelation, ranking second in points and assists while leading the team in rebounds, steals, and blocks.
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The Irish climbed to No. 3 after a statement win over USC. Sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo is making a case for national player of the year.
- South Carolina Gamecocks: Despite their loss to UCLA, the Gamecocks remain a force to be reckoned with. Head coach Dawn Staley is using this setback as an opportunity to refine her team’s identity.
What’s Next?
The next week promises plenty of action as top teams face off in high-stakes matchups. Will Duke continue their rise? Can UCLA maintain their dominance? And how will South Carolina respond to their first loss in over a year? Stay tuned, because this season is just heating up!
Originally Written by: Mechelle Voepel
