UConn’s Undefeated Run Continues as Huskies Earn 24 First‑Place Votes

UConn’s Undefeated Run Continues

UConn’s undefeated run continues as the Huskies shut out California in the Big East tournament, preserving their flawless record and cementing their place at the top of the nation’s women’s basketball rankings. The win was a decisive blow to California, who had been a formidable opponent in the conference. The victory not only kept UConn’s season unblemished but also reinforced the program’s reputation for dominance on the court. Fans and analysts alike celebrated the Huskies’ performance as a testament to their skill and resilience.

AP Poll Release

The Associated Press released its Top 25 women’s basketball poll on Monday, the same day the Huskies’ triumph was announced. The poll is compiled by a 32‑member national media panel that evaluates teams across the country. The release of the poll is a weekly event that reflects the latest results and trends in collegiate women’s basketball. The timing of the poll release coincided with UConn’s victory, adding to the excitement surrounding the rankings.

Ranking Details

UConn received 24 of the 32 first‑place votes available, a clear indicator of the program’s dominance in the eyes of the media. With this latest ranking, the Huskies have now been ranked for 646 weeks, tying Stanford for the third‑most appearances in the poll’s 50‑year history. Tennessee holds the record with 801 appearances, while Texas follows with 649. The 646‑week milestone underscores UConn’s sustained excellence over more than two decades.

Poll Composition

The poll’s 32‑member national media panel selected the top 25 teams, with the second‑ranked Texas Longhorns earning the remaining eight first‑place ballots. This distribution of first‑place votes highlights the competitive nature of the rankings, where even a single vote can shift a team’s position. The panel’s decisions are based on recent performances, strength of schedule, and overall team quality. The rankings are updated weekly, allowing teams to move up or down as the season progresses.

Top Teams

South Carolina, UCLA and LSU followed as the next three teams in the standings, reflecting a competitive field across the country. These teams have shown strong performances throughout the season, earning them positions in the top ten. Their presence in the rankings demonstrates the depth of talent in women’s college basketball. The rankings also serve as a benchmark for program success and national recognition.

Mid‑Ranked Teams

Michigan secured the sixth spot while Maryland moved into seventh. Oklahoma, after defeating Oklahoma State, swapped places with TCU to finish eighth, and Iowa State rounded out the top 10. Each of these teams has had notable victories that contributed to their rankings. Their positions in the poll reflect both their recent success and the strength of their schedules.

Iowa and Hawkeyes

Iowa’s Cyclones beat their in‑state rival by a narrow margin, 74‑69, last week, keeping the Hawkeyes in the 11th position. The close game highlighted the competitive nature of in‑state matchups. Iowa’s win added to their season record, while the Hawkeyes maintained their standing in the national rankings. The result was a reminder of how tight the competition can be among top teams.

Louisville and North Carolina

Louisville leapt six spots to No. 16 after an overtime victory over then‑No. 12 North Carolina on Sunday, while the Tar Heels fell six places to 18th. The overtime win was a significant achievement for Louisville, showcasing their resilience under pressure. North Carolina’s drop in the rankings reflects the impact of a single game on national perception. The movement of both teams illustrates the fluid nature of the poll.

Princeton’s Entry

Princeton entered the poll at No. 25, marking the first time the Tigers have appeared in the rankings in four of the past five seasons, and replaced Oklahoma State, which fell out. The Tigers’ entry into the rankings was a milestone for the program, reflecting their performance this season. The move to No. 25 also added a new team to the top 25, expanding the diversity of programs represented. Princeton’s single loss this season to Maryland underscores the competitiveness of their schedule.

Conference Representation

Conference representation remained strong, with the Big Ten fielding nine teams, the SEC eight, the Big 12 and ACC each three, and the Big East and Ivy each one. This spread of teams across conferences highlights the breadth of talent in women’s college basketball. The Big Ten’s nine teams illustrate the conference’s depth, while the SEC’s eight teams show its competitive strength. The presence of teams from the Big 12, ACC, Big East, and Ivy further demonstrates national parity.

Champions Classic

The second annual women’s Champions Classic will take place in New York on Saturday, featuring No. 17 Tennessee against No. 16 Louisville in the opener and top‑ranked UConn versus No. 11 Iowa in the second game of the doubleheader. The doubleheader format was introduced last season, providing fans with back‑to‑back high‑level matchups. The Classic offers a showcase for the country’s best programs and adds excitement to the national schedule. The games are scheduled to draw attention from fans, media, and sponsors alike.

Doubleheader Context

This doubleheader marks the only games between ranked teams this week, continuing a tradition that began last season. The scheduling of these games reflects the organizers’ focus on competitive balance and fan interest. The Champions Classic is part of a broader effort to promote women’s college basketball across the United States. The event’s success will likely influence future scheduling decisions.

Key Takeaways

• UConn’s 24 first‑place votes keep the Huskies at the top of the AP Top 25.
• Louisville’s six‑spot jump to No. 16 follows an overtime win over North Carolina.
• Princeton’s entry at No. 25 replaces Oklahoma State and expands conference representation.

Closing

With the poll released and the Champions Classic on the horizon, the landscape of women’s college basketball remains dynamic and competitive. UConn’s undefeated streak and dominant ranking underscore the program’s continued excellence, while other teams’ movements highlight the ever‑shifting nature of the sport. Fans can look forward to a week of exciting games and further reshuffling of the national standings.