In a thrilling turn of events in the NCAA Women’s Basketball world, UCLA has reclaimed the top spot in the AP Top 25 rankings following a hard-fought victory over USC in the Big Ten Championship. This remarkable achievement marks UCLA’s 13th week at the prestigious No. 1 position this season, a testament to their resilience and skill on the court.
Recent Rankings Shake-Up
This week’s rankings saw significant shifts after intense championship play. South Carolina solidified their position as the second-ranked team after their victory over Texas in the SEC Tournament final, further proving their mettle. On the other hand, previously No. 1 Texas slipped to fifth place, demonstrating how quickly things can change in college basketball.
A Closer Look at the Rankings
- UCLA has suffered only two losses this season, both to USC.
- UConn sits comfortably in third place, with their hopes still alive as they enter the Big East championship.
- TCU has made headlines by surging to No. 6, the highest rank in the school’s history, following their Big 12 championship win.
- Duke climbed to seventh after triumphing in the ACC title game, marking a significant comeback after being absent from this ranking for over a decade.
This reshuffle has set the stage for an exciting lead-up to the NCAA tournament, with teams jockeying for better seed positions and a shot at the championship title.
Upcoming NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Details
As the excitement builds towards March Madness, the NCAA has released the schedule for the 2025 Women’s Basketball Tournament, where teams will compete for glory. The Selection Sunday is set for March 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, followed by the First Four games occurring on March 19-20. The tournament will kick off officially on March 21. Here’s a breakdown of key tournament dates:
| Round | Dates | Location(s) |
|---|---|---|
| First Four | March 19-20 | (Not specified) |
| First Round | March 21-22 | (Multiple locations) |
| Second Round | March 23-24 | (Multiple locations) |
| Sweet Sixteen | March 28-29 | Birmingham, AL; Spokane, WA |
| Elite Eight | March 30-31 | Birmingham, AL; Spokane, WA |
| Final Four | April 4 | Tampa, FL |
| Championship | April 6 | Tampa, FL |
With the tournament bracket looming, teams are eager to secure their placements, and fans are ready to support their favorites as they chase the championship trophy.
Understanding Tournament Bracketology
As we observe the tournament schedule, it’s essential to understand how teams get selected and ranked in the NCAA tournament. ESPN’s bracketologist Charlie Creme closely follows criteria similar to the NCAA selection committee’s, analyzing team strength, performances, and metrics like the NET. Tournament scenarios remain essential discussions as fans wonder about the number of teams and formats that will be used this season.
What’s Next for UCLA and Other Top Teams?
As we watch UCLA celebrate their recent victory and retain the top ranking, it is vital to consider the pressure building on their shoulders as they prepare for the tournament. With strong challengers like South Carolina and UConn also gearing up for their matches, the competition will be fierce. Fans are no doubt counting down the days until the tournament begins, excited to see their team’s journey unfold on national television.
Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to March Madness and see who will rise to the occasion in this year’s NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament!