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In an impressive display of talent and competition, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) made history by having 10 teams ranked in the latest Associated Press (AP) women’s basketball Top 25 poll. This milestone marks the largest number of ranked teams from a single conference in the 50-year history of the AP poll.
The historic event unfolded as the Georgia Lady Bulldogs entered the rankings at No. 23 after a convincing victory over the then-No. 11 Kentucky Wildcats. This achievement is particularly significant, giving the SEC the edge with the most teams ranked at one time, highlighting the conference’s strength in women’s college basketball.
Leading Teams in the Women’s AP Poll
As of now, UConn remains a dominant force in women’s college basketball, holding the No. 1 position in the AP poll. The Huskies are the sole undefeated team, boasting an impressive record of 21-0 and continuing their streak of 37 consecutive wins dating back to last season. Following UConn are UCLA at No. 2 and South Carolina at No. 3.
The top rankings include:
- 1. UConn (31 first-place votes) – 21-0
- 2. UCLA – 19-1
- 3. South Carolina – 20-2
- 4. Texas – 19-2
- 5. Vanderbilt – 20-1
- 6. LSU – 18-2
- 7. Louisville – 19-3
- 8. Iowa – 18-2
- 9. Michigan – 17-3
- 10. Oklahoma – 16-4
The SEC’s remarkable success isn’t only due to UConn and its stellar performance. The contributions from teams such as No. 4 Texas, No. 5 Vanderbilt, and No. 6 LSU illustrate a deep pool of talent and competitiveness within the conference.
The Rising Competition from the SEC
The SEC has now surpassed the Big Ten, which holds the second spot with seven teams ranked in the Top 25. The Big 12 follows with four teams, and both the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Ivy League have one team each making the cut.
Georgia’s inclusion in the AP poll for the first time since 2022 signals the return of a program that was once a staple in the rankings. The Lady Bulldogs started their season with an impressive 14-0 non-conference record, underlining their potential for upcoming NCAA tournaments.
Upcoming Key Matchups
This week promises exciting games that could impact the rankings further:
- No. 15 Tennessee is set to face off against No. 1 UConn, a match that will test the Lady Vols against the undefeated team.
- No. 8 Iowa will go head-to-head with No. 2 UCLA, with both teams vying for supremacy in the Big Ten conference.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the spotlight will be on the SEC and the unique challenges that come with maintaining multiple top-ranked teams. The dynamics within the conference are certainly feeding into a broader narrative of excitement within women’s college basketball.
Conclusion
The achievement of having 10 teams ranked in the women’s AP poll showcases the immense talent and competitive nature of the SEC. As teams gear up for the remaining part of the season, fans will be eagerly watching how these programs navigate their respective pathways to potential NCAA tournament success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the SEC achieving 10 ranked teams in the AP Poll mean?
This achievement indicates the depth of talent within the SEC, showcasing its strength compared to other conferences.
Who is currently ranked number one in women’s college basketball?
UConn is ranked number one in the AP poll and is the only undefeated team remaining in women’s college basketball.
What are the key upcoming games to watch in women’s college basketball?
Important matches include No. 15 Tennessee vs. No. 1 UConn and No. 8 Iowa vs. No. 2 UCLA, both of which may affect the rankings significantly.
How many teams from the SEC are in the AP Poll?
Currently, the SEC has a historic 10 teams ranked in the women’s AP Top 25 poll.
What is the historical significance of this achievement?
This is the first time a conference has achieved such a feat in the 50-year history of the women’s AP poll, marking a pivotal moment for the SEC.
