USC, Notre Dame Rise in Women’s College Basketball Rankings Following Conference Title Wins

By Ysa Panganiban Last updated Mar 12, 2024 Share with new partner:

South Carolina’s dominance in the SEC Women’s Tournament has solidified their position as the top-ranked team in the nation, as they clinched the title with a commanding victory over LSU. The triumph further cements their status as a powerhouse in collegiate women’s basketball.

Meanwhile, Iowa’s resilient performance catapulted them back to the second spot in the AP Top 25 Poll, overcoming a fierce challenge from Nebraska to secure the Big Ten Women’s Tournament championship.

The latest rankings reveal USC’s resurgence as they climb to the third position, a remarkable achievement marking their highest ranking since 1986.

Reclaiming Glory with Highest Ranking in Decades

Usc-notre-dame-rise-in-women's-college-basketball-rankings-following-conference-title-wins — South Carolina’s dominance in the SEC Women’s Tournament has solidified their position as the top-ranked team in the nation, as they clinched the title with a commanding victory over LSU.

The Trojans showcased their prowess in a resounding 74-61 triumph over Stanford in the Pac-12 Women’s Tournament final, solidifying their status as a formidable contender.

Additionally, the Pac-12 conference continues to assert its dominance with six teams featured in this week’s poll, including USC, Stanford, UCLA, Oregon State, Colorado, and Utah.

Notre Dame’s remarkable ascent in the rankings highlights their impressive performance in the ACC Women’s Tournament, where they claimed victory with a hard-fought 55-51 win over NC State in the final.

Freshman sensation Hannah Hidalgo delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers with 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists, underscoring her pivotal role in Notre Dame’s success.

First-Ever Ranking Marks Milestone Achievement

In a historic milestone, Fairfield University secured its first-ever ranking in program history, a testament to their exceptional performance this season.

The Stags’ remarkable 26-game winning streak, the second-longest in the nation, reflects their unwavering determination and collective effort, positioning them as a rising force in collegiate women’s basketball.

As the regular season draws to a close and the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament looms ahead, these rankings provide a glimpse into the evolving landscape of women’s collegiate basketball, showcasing the resilience, talent, and determination of the nation’s top teams.