In this week’s Associated Press Top 25 women’s college basketball poll, released on Monday, the top five remain unchanged, while a lot of movement takes place elsewhere throughout the rankings. Here are five takeaways from the poll.
South Carolina picks up another signature win as top five stays intact
While UConn (27-0, 16-0 Big East) continues to hold down the top spot with UCLA (25-1, 15-0 Big Ten) closely behind, the third-ranked Gamecocks (25-2, 11-1 SEC) won their sixth straight game and 18th in a row over then-No. 6 LSU in Saturday’s 79-72 victory.
With six ranked wins to its credit this season and a 1.5-game lead over No. 5 Vanderbilt (24-3, 10-3 SEC) in the conference standings, South Carolina has clearly positioned itself as a national title contender once again.
Ohio State falls two spots after blown lead
The Buckeyes (22-4, 11-3 Big Ten) slide two spots to No. 10 after blowing a 19-point lead in Sunday’s 76-75 second-half collapse against then-No. 20 Maryland. That was Ohio State’s largest blown lead in the past eight seasons.
Ohio State’s biggest issue was rebounding, especially on the offensive glass (22-8). Sophomore guard Jaloni Cambridge was flawless again with 29 points (11-of-22 FG), but a more collective effort on the glass will be crucial going forward.
TCU, Maryland make big gains
The Horned Frogs (23-4, 11-3 Big 12) move up five spots to No. 12 after picking up back-to-back ranked wins over then-No. 12 Baylor and No. 19 West Virginia. Senior guard Olivia Miles went off for a career-high 40 points (13-of-28 FG, 10-of-20 3PT) in the win over Baylor on Thursday, contributing to TCU’s efficient night from long range (15-of-29).
The Terrapins (21-6, 9-6 Big Ten) rise six spots to No. 14 after picking up their largest comeback win (19) since 2019 in Sunday’s win over Ohio State. Since a four-game losing streak earlier in conference play, Maryland has now won four in a row, including two over ranked opponents.
The Spartans (20-6, 9-6 Big Ten), down five spots to No. 18, suffered a second loss to in-state rival Michigan, 86-65, on Sunday, the second-largest loss to the Wolverines in the past 25 seasons. That was also Michigan State’s fourth loss in its last five games, leaving the program in search of some momentum with three regular-season games to play.
The Lady Raiders (23-4, 10-4 Big 12) fall four spots to No. 20 after Saturday’s 75-65 loss to Oklahoma State. After beginning the season 19-0, Texas Tech has lost four of its last eight games, all of which have come to unranked opponents.
The Golden Gophers (20-6, 11-4 Big Ten) enter the poll at No. 23 riding an eight-game winning streak, including a 91-85 upset over then-No. 10 Iowa on Feb. 5. Two ranked opponents (No. 10 Ohio State, No. 18 Michigan State) will pose some challenges in the final three games, but Minnesota appears ready for anything that comes its way.
The Lady Bulldogs (20-6, 6-6 SEC) join the rankings at No. 24 after shocking No. 5 Vanderbilt, 76-74, on Sunday. Georgia also has ranked wins over ranked Kentucky and Ole Miss teams, giving it a solid resume in a deep SEC.