In a season dominated by South Carolina’s unwavering success, the race for the No. 2 spot in the women’s basketball landscape intensifies. With the top five teams all facing setbacks in the past week, the question arises: Which team boasts the strongest case for the coveted second position?
A glimpse at the blind resumes provides insight into the contenders:
Team 1: (16-2, 6-1): 17 | 4-2 (1-1) | Lost to Teams 2 and 3
Team 2: (15-1, 4-1): 7 | 5-1 (1-0) | 1-0 | Defeated Team 1 on the road
Team 3: (16-2, 4-2): 11 | 3-1 (2-0) | 1-0 | Defeated Team 1 at neutral site
Team 4: (18-2, 7-1): 5 | 3-1 (0-0) | 1-0 | N/A
Team 1 is Colorado, who suffered a loss to Team 2 (UCLA) on Friday night. Team 3, NC State, faced an upset by Miami, and Team 4, Iowa, experienced their only AP loss in overtime against Ohio State on Sunday.
Based on the blind statistics and performance against top teams, NC State emerges as the frontrunner for the No. 2 spot. Despite the setback against Miami, NC State showcased a robust record against top-five teams, including victories against UConn when they held the No. 2 spot and Colorado. The return of fifth-year center River Baldwin from an ankle injury has significantly bolstered the team’s performance, emphasizing her crucial role in the Wolfpack’s success.
While acknowledging the quality wins accrued by UCLA and Colorado within their conferences, NC State’s complete team, reinforced by Baldwin’s presence, stands out defensively, making them a deserving candidate for the No. 2 position.
Additionally, the analysis delves into the impact of players like Cotie McMahon for Ohio State, emphasizing her pivotal role in the team’s success. McMahon’s performance, particularly in the upset victory against Iowa, highlights her significance in Ohio State’s quest for NCAA contention.
The article also sheds light on Florida State’s defensive struggles and the need for improvement, especially in closing out deep shooters. Despite holding a 19-point lead against Syracuse, Florida State allowed a comeback, exposing vulnerabilities that could pose challenges against high-scoring opponents.
Cassandra Negley concludes with her Associated Press Top 25 ballot, placing South Carolina at the top, followed by NC State, Colorado, Iowa, and UCLA rounding out the top five. The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the women’s basketball landscape, offering insights into the teams vying for supremacy behind South Carolina in the AP Top 25 poll.
- South Carolina
- NC State
- Colorado
- Iowa
- UCLA
- Stanford
- UConn
- Kansas State
- Texas
- USC
- Utah
- Ohio State
- Louisville
- LSU
- Virginia Tech
- Indiana
- Notre Dame
- Gonzaga
- North Carolina
- Baylor
- Florida State
- Creighton
- Princeton
- Syracuse
- Iowa State
