College basketball fans are in for an exciting week as top teams gear up for Thanksgiving tournaments in warm locations. The newly crowned No. 1 UCLA Bruins are set to compete in the Rainbow Wahine Tournament in Hawaii. Coach Cori Close views this challenge as an opportunity to prepare at a championship level, emphasizing the importance of mental preparation and staying focused.
Notably, this marks the first time UCLA has secured the top spot in The Associated Press women's basketball poll, adding to the anticipation surrounding their upcoming games.
One of the most anticipated matchups of the week will take place in the Cayman Islands, where the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish will go head-to-head against the 17th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs. Both teams showcase impressive offenses, with standout players leading the charge.
Other notable games on the horizon include South Carolina facing off against Iowa State and No. 13 Duke taking on No. 8 Oklahoma in Las Vegas.
Unfortunately, No. 25 Nebraska suffered a setback as star sophomore center Natalie Potts sustained a season-ending injury. On a brighter note, perennial powerhouse UConn is close to having a fully healthy roster, with the return of Azzi Fudd marking a significant milestone for Coach Geno Auriemma.
Additionally, teams like No. 22 Iowa and No. 19 Illinois are off to strong starts, showcasing their prowess on the court with impressive winning streaks.
As the week unfolds, basketball enthusiasts can look forward to thrilling matchups and standout performances from some of the best teams in the nation. Stay tuned for more updates on the AP Top 25 college basketball poll throughout the season.
For more college basketball news and updates, visit AP Top 25 College Basketball Poll and College Basketball.