The stage was set. Amidst the hustle and bustle of exams and holidays, the world of women's college basketball was alive with the sound of electric competition. The resounding victories, unexpected upsets, and climactic faceoffs last week continued to keep fans on the edges of their seats.
Kicking off the coronation was the unstoppable force known as the South Carolina Gamecocks. Like a seasoned monarch, they retained their No. 1 position in The Associated Press women's basketball poll, basking in the unanimous adulation of all 36 votes from the national media panel. Their scepter of victory was strengthened further by the triumphant rout of last week's game, the only one they participated in.
However, it wasn't just the Gamecocks who basked in glory. A heroic resurgence was in the offing. The Washington Huskies pulled off an exceptional comeback, laying claim to the current AP Top 25 ranking; a throne they hadn't ascended since the distant past of 2017. Now ranked at No. 23, the Huskies' baptism by fire will be the faceoff against No. 19 Louisville on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, there was an unexpected stir in the rankings. The Miami Hurricanes were cast adrift from the Top 25, while TCU pranced into the coveted list at No. 25, marking their triumphant return since 2020.
A triumphant moment of note was that of coach Kenny Brooks from Virginia Tech. Sundays witnessed this stalwart clinching his 500th career victory in a match against Rutgers. The glow of victorious pride was tangible not just on the faces of the No.15 Hokies, but also on their shirts - a sweet tribute to a coach who had last year steered the team to their maiden voyage to the Final Four.
Speaking of domination, it was the Big 12 that held resolute. Amongst the 14 unbeaten streaks glimmering in women's college basketball, five belonged to the Big 12. The Horned Frogs from TCU led the charge here, undefeated across 11 games and awaiting their skirmish against Baylor on the 3rd of January.
Finally, the cherry on the cake was LSU, who played a spectacle of a game against McNeese State. Raring ahead as the seventh-ranked Tigers, they led an astonishing 133-44 rout. Not only did they shatter school records but also wowed an eager crowd with a staggering 47 consecutive points.
So, as the curtain draws on yet another week full of heart-stopping action, one thing is clear - women's college basketball is more vibrant, more thrilling, and more glorious than ever before. Stay tuned for more!
