NCAA Women's Basketball Sweet 16 Power Rankings: UConn Takes Top Spot as USC Awaits News on JuJu Watkins

The NCAA Women's Sweet 16 is set, and the road to the championship is heating up. With UConn taking the top spot and USC holding strong at No. 4, the tournament has delivered thrilling moments and unexpected twists. Here's a breakdown of the top teams and their journey to the Sweet 16:

1. UConn Huskies

Original seed: No. 2 (Spokane 4) Tournament results: Defeated Arkansas State 103-34 and South Dakota State 91-57. UConn has been dominant, showcasing their depth and star power. Paige Bueckers tied her career high with 34 points in her final game at Gampel Pavilion. The Huskies' collective performance has been nothing short of spectacular, making them the team to beat.

2. UCLA Bruins

Original seed: No. 1 (Spokane 1) Tournament results: Defeated Southern 84-46 and Richmond 84-67. UCLA's Lauren Betts delivered a standout performance with 32 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Bruins to their third consecutive Sweet 16. The team's third-quarter surge against Richmond was a game-changer, showcasing their resilience.

3. South Carolina Gamecocks

Original seed: No. 1 (Birmingham 2) Tournament results: Defeated Tennessee Tech 108-48 and Indiana 64-53. Despite a close game against Indiana, South Carolina's defense and depth proved too much for their opponents. Coach Dawn Staley's leadership continues to shine as they aim for another title.

4. USC Trojans

Original seed: No. 1 (Spokane) Tournament results: Defeated UNC Greensboro 71-25 and Mississippi State 96-59. All eyes are on JuJu Watkins' injury status after she left the game in the first quarter against Mississippi State. USC's hopes for a national championship hinge on her recovery, but the team showed they can compete without her.

5. Texas Longhorns

Original seed: No. 1 (Birmingham 3) Tournament results: Defeated William & Mary 105-61 and Illinois 65-48. Texas' defense has been impenetrable, holding Illinois to a season-low 48 points. Madison Booker's 20-point performance highlighted their offensive strength as they prepare for a tough Sweet 16 matchup against Tennessee.

6. LSU Tigers

Original seed: No. 3 (Spokane 1) Tournament results: Defeated San Diego State 103-48 and Florida State 101-71. LSU's third-quarter explosion against Florida State was a turning point, turning a close game into a blowout. Mikaylah Williams and Flau'Jae Johnson led the charge, proving the Tigers are a force to be reckoned with.

7. TCU Horned Frogs

Original seed: No. 2 (Birmingham 3) Tournament results: Defeated FDU 73-51 and Louisville 85-70. Hailey Van Lith's leadership helped TCU secure their first-ever Sweet 16 appearance. Her 10 assists against Louisville showcased her playmaking ability, setting up TCU for a rematch with Notre Dame.

8. NC State Wolfpack

Original seed: No. 3 seed (Spokane 1) Tournament results: Defeated Vermont 75-55 and Michigan State 83-49. NC State's sharpshooting was on full display, making 15 three-pointers against Michigan State. Saniya Rivers' playmaking was crucial, setting up uncontested shots and leading the Wolfpack to their sixth Sweet 16 in seven years.

9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Original seed: No. 3 (Birmingham) Tournament results: Defeated SFA 106-54 and Michigan 76-55. Sonia Citron's 40-point weekend highlighted Notre Dame's offensive resurgence. With Olivia Miles' ankle injury concerns eased, the Fighting Irish are looking to make a deep run.

10. Oklahoma Sooners

Original seed: No. 3 (Spokane 4) Tournament results: Defeated Florida Gulf Coast 81-58 and Iowa 96-62. Oklahoma's rebounding dominance led them to their first Sweet 16 since 2013. Raegan Beers' 11 points and 13 rebounds anchored the team's inside presence, while Skylar Vann's 3-point shooting provided the outside threat.

11. Duke Blue Devils

Original seed: No. 2 (Birmingham 2) Tournament results: Defeated Lehigh 80-57 and Oregon 59-53. Duke's defense came to the rescue in a close win against Oregon. Ashlon Jackson's 14-point third quarter was pivotal, propelling the Blue Devils to their second consecutive Sweet 16.

12. North Carolina Tar Heels

Original seed: No. 3 (Birmingham 2) Tournament results: Defeated Oregon State 70-49 and West Virginia 58-47. North Carolina's clutchness on defense was key, holding West Virginia without a field goal until the final minute of the fourth quarter. Lexi Donarski and Alyssa Ustby's defensive prowess will be crucial in their Sweet 16 matchup against Duke.

13. Tennessee Lady Vols

Original seed: No. 5 (Birmingham 3) Tournament results: Defeated South Florida 101-66 and Ohio State 82-67. Tennessee's relentless pressure and 3-point shooting were the keys to their victory over Ohio State. The Lady Vols forced 23 turnovers, turning them into 37 points, and are set to face Texas in the Sweet 16.

14. Ole Miss Rebels

Original seed: No. 5 (Spokane 1) Tournament results: Defeated Ball State 83-65 and Baylor 69-63. Ole Miss' KK Deans delivered a clutch performance, scoring 11 of the team's final 21 points to secure their second Sweet 16 appearance in three years. The Rebels will face UCLA next.

15. Kansas State Wildcats

Original seed: No. 5 (Spokane 4) Tournament results: Defeated Fairfield 85-41 and Kentucky 80-79. Temira Poindexter's game-winning 3-pointer in overtime sent Kansas State to their first Sweet 16 since 2022. Her 24 points and 8 three-pointers were instrumental in the Wildcats' victory.

16. Maryland Terrapins

Original seed: No. 4 (Birmingham 2) Tournament results: Defeated Norfolk State 82-69 and Alabama 111-108. Maryland's double-overtime win over Alabama was the game of the tournament so far. Sarah Te-Biasu and Shyanne Sellers' clutch performances led the Terrapins to their fourth Sweet 16 in five years.

What's Next?

The Sweet 16 promises more high-stakes matchups and potential upsets. With UConn leading the pack and USC's fate tied to JuJu Watkins' recovery, every game is a must-watch. Stay tuned for more action as the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament continues!