Southern California's women's basketball team made a significant leap in The Associated Press poll, securing the No. 4 spot after a thrilling victory over UConn. The Trojans moved up three positions in the AP Top 25 rankings following their narrow 72-70 win against the then-No. 4 Huskies in a highly anticipated rematch of last season's Elite Eight game.
USC star JuJu Watkins expressed her elation after the victory, highlighting the emotional significance of the win given the history between the two teams. This marked the Trojans' first-ever triumph over UConn, a milestone that added to the gravity of the achievement.
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasized the importance of the victory, acknowledging UConn's esteemed program and the impact of legendary coach Geno Auriemma. Despite UConn's recent championship drought, Gottlieb praised their competitive spirit and the valuable lessons learned from facing such a formidable opponent.
Meanwhile, UCLA, South Carolina, and Notre Dame maintained their positions as the top three teams in the rankings. UCLA received the majority of first-place votes, with South Carolina and Notre Dame also garnering significant support from the national media panel.
Following their defeat to USC, UConn slipped to seventh place, trailing behind Texas and LSU. Maryland, Oklahoma, and Ohio State rounded out the top 10 teams, while Duke dropped to No. 14 after a loss to South Florida.
Alabama re-entered the poll at No. 20 after a standout performance against Michigan State, handing the Spartans their first loss of the season. The Southeastern Conference led the way with eight teams in the rankings, followed closely by the Big Ten with seven representatives.
Looking ahead, a highly anticipated matchup between No. 23 Michigan and No. 4 USC is set to take place, promising an exciting showdown as the Wolverines face off against the Trojans in Los Angeles.
As the women's college basketball season unfolds, fans can stay updated on the latest AP Top 25 rankings and developments by following the official AP women's college basketball coverage.
