The Southeastern Conference and the Big Ten each have four teams in the top 10 in The Associated Press Top 25 women’s college basketball poll released Monday.
Associated Press Top 25 as of January 9, 2025
Conference Play is in full swing across women’s college basketball. The top ten in the Associated Press Top 25 are:
No. 1 UCLA (15-0), No. 2 South Carolina (14-1), No. 3 Notre Dame (12-2), No. 4 Southern California (14-1), No. 5 Texas (15-1), No. 6 LSU (17-0), No. 7 UConn (13-2), No. 8 Maryland (14-0), No. 9 Ohio State (14-0), No. 10 Oklahoma (13-2).
The Big Ten and SEC dominate the top teams.
Teams with Injuries
Injuries have significantly impacted the seasons of the UConn Huskies and South Carolina Gamecocks, two powerhouse programs in NCAA women’s basketball. These injuries have affected the teams’ current performance and could also influence their postseason prospects.
UConn-Paige Bueckers
Paige Bueckers, a centerpiece of UConn’s roster, has been sidelined for several games with a lower-body injury. Known for her playmaking ability and scoring prowess, her absence creates a noticeable gap in the Huskies’ backcourt.
Without Bueckers, UConn has had to rely more heavily on other guards, such as Azzi Fudd and Caroline Ducharme, to generate offense. While the team has maintained a strong record, Bueckers’ lack of leadership and ability to dominate in clutch moments could be a disadvantage against top-tier opponents.
South Carolina Gamecocks – Ashlyn Watkins
Ashlyn Watkins, a key post presence for South Carolina, is out with a season-ending injury after tearing the ACL in her left knee. Known for her rebounding and defensive presence, Watkins’ absence affects the Gamecocks’ ability to dominate the boards and protect the rim.
Without Watkins, Head Coach Dawn Staley has adjusted the rotation. However, the team’s defensive efficiency has slightly dipped in her absence.
Key Factors Impacting Rankings
1. Conference Matchups: High-stakes conference games will have a major impact. Matchups in the SEC, Big Ten and Pac-12, which boast multiple top-25 teams, are expected to shift the rankings weekly. For example:
- South Carolina vs. LSU: A clash of SEC titans could determine the conference leader and potentially the top national ranking.
- Maryland vs. Ohio State: Both undefeated, their upcoming showdown could reshape the Big Ten hierarchy.
2. Injuries to Star Players: The recovery timelines for players like Paige Bueckers (UConn) and Ashlyn Watkins (South Carolina) will significantly impact their teams’ performance and standing. Their absence could allow other teams to move up if UConn or South Carolina falters in critical games.
3. Emerging Teams: Teams like UCLA, LSU and Maryland are currently undefeated and poised to challenge traditional powerhouses for the top spots. Sustaining their momentum in competitive conferences will be critical for maintaining or improving their rankings.
4. Mid-Major Standouts: While Power Five teams dominate the rankings, mid-majors like South Dakota State or Gonzaga could make noise, especially if they pull off key upsets or sustain dominant records in their conferences.
Factors Impacting Rankings
The jockeying for rankings will have significant implications for the NCAA Tournament seeding. Teams aiming for No. 1 or No. 2 seeds must maintain consistency in conference play and avoid upset losses. Meanwhile, lower-ranked teams have opportunities to climb by defeating higher-ranked opponents, particularly in tightly contested conferences.
As the season progresses, the rankings will continue to evolve, reflecting the unpredictability and excitement of women’s college basketball. Fans can expect thrilling games and dramatic shifts as teams battle for supremacy in one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
