UConn, UCLA, and Notre Dame compete for No. 1 ranking
A thrilling weekend in Los Angeles reshaped the women’s basketball landscape, creating uncertainty around the next Associated Press poll. Defending champion South Carolina, ranked No. 1 for 23 consecutive weeks, suffered two losses: a 74-61 defeat to No. 6 Notre Dame and a 77-62 loss to No. 5 UCLA.
UConn’s undefeated streak strengthens their case
Ranked No. 2, UConn remains unbeaten this season, including a key victory over then-No. 14 North Carolina. If they move up, it will mark the Huskies’ 251st time at No. 1 under Coach Geno Auriemma, who recently became the NCAA’s all-time victories leader with 1,217 wins.
UCLA’s historic opportunity
UCLA’s victory over South Carolina could propel them to their first-ever No. 1 ranking. However, Coach Cori Close is focused on the team’s growth rather than its ranking, stating, “I want us to fall more in love with the process to be great.”
Notre Dame’s dominant weekend
Notre Dame also has a compelling case after defeating USC and showcasing their strength. If the Irish reach No. 1, it will be the second consecutive season a team jumped from No. 6 to the top. The Irish last held the No. 1 spot in 2019.
Women’s basketball wins big
Both games drew sold-out crowds in Los Angeles, with star-studded audiences including Michael B. Jordan, Snoop Dogg, and Jason Sudeikis. The excitement highlighted the sport’s growing popularity and competitive balance.
The new rankings will be unveiled Monday, and all three teams—UConn, UCLA, and Notre Dame—are in strong contention to take over the No. 1 position.
