UConn has made a dramatic leap in Sportnaut’s Week 16 Women’s College Basketball Top 10 Power Rankings after ending South Carolina’s historic 71-game winning streak. Here’s how the rankings have shifted.
10. North Carolina State Wolfpack (Last week: 8)
North Carolina State (21-5) drops two spots after blowing a late lead to North Carolina in a one-point loss, snapping their nine-game winning streak. The Wolfpack rebounded by defeating No. 20 Georgia Tech, 83-68, but faces another challenge against No. 1 Notre Dame on February 23.
9. TCU Horned Frogs (Last week: 10)
TCU (24-3) climbs one spot following impressive road victories against Arizona (85-73) and Arizona State (82-66). The Horned Frogs face a tough matchup against No. 17 West Virginia on February 23 before meeting in-state rival Houston on February 26.
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8. North Carolina Tar Heels (Last week: Not ranked)
North Carolina (24-4) enters the top 10 after their thrilling victory over in-state rival No. 13 North Carolina State. The Tar Heels, riding a six-game winning streak, travel to Louisville on February 23 before visiting No. 11 Duke at Cameron on February 27.
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7. South Carolina Gamecocks (Last week: 6)
South Carolina (24-3) saw their 71-game home winning streak end as UConn dominated the Gamecocks 87-58. They bounced back by defeating Arkansas by 40 points and look to start a new home winning streak against Vanderbilt on February 23.
6. LSU Tigers (Last week: 4)
LSU (26-2) slips two spots following a hard-fought 65-58 loss to No. 2 Texas. The Tigers responded by defeating Georgia 79-63 but face a challenging road ahead with visits to No. 14 Kentucky on February 23 and No. 18 Alabama on February 27.
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5. Connecticut Huskies (Last week: 7)
UConn (25-3) surges two spots after their commanding 87-58 victory at South Carolina. The Huskies maintained momentum with a 42-point win over Seton Hall. Paige Bueckers and her teammates face Butler on February 22 before hosting No. 23 Creighton on February 27.
4. UCLA Bruins (Last week: 5)
UCLA (25-1) has recovered from their first season loss by defeating ranked opponents No. 22 Michigan State (75-69) and No. 25 Illinois (70-55). The Bruins seek to extend their winning streak against Iowa on February 23 and Wisconsin on February 26.
3. USC Trojans (Last week: 3)
USC (24-2) followed their upset of former No. 1 UCLA with victories over Washington (69-64) and No. 22 Michigan State (83-75). The Trojans continue their challenging schedule against No. 25 Illinois on February 23.
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2. Texas Longhorns (Last week: 2)
Texas (26-2) continues their impressive run against ranked opponents, defeating No. 7 LSU 65-58 for their third consecutive ranked victory. The Longhorns face Georgia on February 24 followed by Mississippi State on February 27.
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1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Last week: 1)
Notre Dame (24-2) maintains their dominance, crushing Miami 82-42. The Fighting Irish have won their last five games by an average margin of 35 points. They face North Carolina State on February 23 before meeting Florida State on February 27.
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