The TCU women’s basketball team has made a notable entry into the AP Top 25 poll at No. 19, marking the team’s best ranking in 16 years. This milestone was achieved after the Horned Frogs secured a victory over then-No. 13 N.C. State on Sunday, which represents their first win over a ranked opponent since 2021, and their first victory against a top 15 team in six years. This new ranking is the highest for TCU since it was also ranked 19th back in 2008.
TCU head coach Mark Campbell expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, “It means a lot as we build this program. We’ve come a long way. I inherited a program that was 1-17 in the conference and at rock bottom. Last year’s group laid an incredible foundation to springboard into this season.”
The Gamecocks continue their reign at the top of the poll, retaining the No. 1 position with all 31 first-place votes from a national media panel after dominating their opponents last week with an average victory margin of 36.5 points. South Carolina is set to face No. 5 UCLA on Sunday, adding an exciting matchup to the weekend schedule.
Following South Carolina in the rankings are No. 2 UConn, No. 3 USC, and No. 4 Texas, while No. 6 Notre Dame will take on the Trojans in a highly anticipated clash. The rest of the top ten includes LSU, Iowa State, Oklahoma, and Kansas State. A significant shift occurred as Stanford fell out of the rankings after losing to Indiana last Sunday.
West Virginia has made an impressive leap to No. 13 following their recent win over Texas A&M, marking their highest ranking since 2018. The Mountaineers have displayed remarkable consistency at home, winning their last 32 nonconference games on their home court, dating back to the 2018-2019 season. They might face Texas in the Gulf Coast Showcase during Thanksgiving weekend, presenting another challenge ahead.
N.C. State’s start to the season has been tough, having to confront No. 1 South Carolina and TCU away from home. Following their defeat to TCU, the Wolfpack slipped to No. 20 in the rankings. Coach Wes Moore’s team, which made it to the Final Four last season, might be up against LSU in the Bahamas during the upcoming Thanksgiving week, as they look to turn their season around.
In other significant news, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma is on the verge of breaking the all-time wins record. On Wednesday, he will have the opportunity to surpass the record when the Huskies play against Fairleigh Dickinson. UConn plans to celebrate the occasion with many alumni attending the game. Auriemma has achieved 1,216 career victories, tying him with former Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer.
The upcoming weekend promises thrilling matchups, including No. 6 Notre Dame visiting No. 3 USC on Saturday and No. 1 South Carolina squaring off against No. 5 UCLA on Sunday. All four teams are showcasing strong performances, with a combined record of 16-0 thus far.