NCAA Women's Basketball Power Rankings: Notre Dame Claims No. 1 Spot Amidst Shifting Tides

Notre Dame Takes the Throne

Notre Dame has surged to the No. 1 position in the NCAA Women's Basketball Power Rankings after an impressive streak of 18 consecutive victories. The Fighting Irish, who started the season ranked No. 7, have demonstrated resilience and dominance, with key players like Hannah Hidalgo, Olivia Miles, and Sonia Citron leading the charge. Their recent triumph over Duke with a 64-49 victory solidified their top spot.

UCLA Faces a Setback

UCLA, previously holding the No. 1 ranking, experienced a dip after a loss to crosstown rival USC. The Bruins, despite maintaining some No. 1 votes, struggled in the fourth quarter of their recent game, highlighting the competitive intensity of the season. However, with star center Lauren Betts potentially returning from injury, UCLA remains a formidable contender.

USC on the Rise

USC earned significant attention after a thrilling victory over UCLA, thanks to a standout performance by JuJu Watkins, who scored 38 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. This win propelled USC into the top three of the Power Rankings, showcasing their readiness for high-stakes matchups.

Texas and UCN Making Moves

Texas and UConn are also making waves. Texas extended their winning streak to 10 games, with sophomore Madison Booker averaging 18.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in the last five games. UConn, on the other hand, delivered a statement win by defeating South Carolina by 29 points, with a well-rounded performance from Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, and Paige Bueckers.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, teams like Notre Dame, USC, and Texas are positioning themselves for strong finishes, with critical games on the horizon. The competition remains fierce, and the race for the NCAA tournament's top seed is heating up.