Elite Matchups in Los Angeles Shift National Rankings

The highly anticipated games in Los Angeles lived up to expectations, leading to a new Associated Press No. 1 ranking for the first time since the preseason poll for 2023-24. Until now, LSU, the reigning national champion, held this position, but South Carolina showcased their prowess in Paris and has continued to dominate, going undefeated in their championship season last year.

Now, it’s time for another team to rise in the rankings.

South Carolina’s Frontcourt: A Unique Challenge

Despite the impressive performances from Chloe Kitts, South Carolina’s frontcourt has revealed vulnerabilities, especially highlighted during a recent loss to UCLA that reset the national championship dialogue. This defeat ended South Carolina’s remarkable 43-game winning streak.

This season marks only the second time since 2014-15 that the Gamecocks are not utilizing a standout center in their offensive strategy. From A’ja Wilson (6-foot-4, with a 129-16 record and a national title) to Aliyah Boston (6-5, 129-9 record and a national championship) and Kamilla Cardoso (6-7, 38-0 record and a title), this is a significant departure for the program. The only comparable season was 2018-19, when South Carolina finished 23-10 with their most losses since 2011-12, peaking at No. 10 in the AP poll.

Head coach Dawn Staley acknowledged the shift, stating, “We’re in transition from having a dominant big to not having a dominant big and figuring out how we can incorporate our bigs scoring the basketball a little bit. We’ve got to get comfortable with that, and our bigs have to adapt to doing things differently.”

In contrast, UCLA’s 6-7 center Lauren Betts took the spotlight, demonstrating her dominance as one of the best bigs in the nation. Staley praised their defensive efforts against Betts, who contributed 11 points with 14 rebounds and four assists, but noted that her ability to draw attention left opportunities for open shots, which UCLA capitalized on during their strong shooting performance.

UCLA’s strategy forced South Carolina away from their offensive game plan, with the Gamecocks only managing 18 points in the paint. The guards struggled to find their rhythm, especially in a first half where they were significantly outpaced. Kitts’s performance mirrored this, as she went 1-for-7 in just 12 minutes of play, highlighting the team’s struggles against tough competition.

The previous season without a dominant big saw South Carolina earn a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament before falling in the regional semifinals. While this season is still young and loss could serve as an important learning experience, the manner of UCLA’s victory sends a strong message about the shifting landscape of women’s college basketball.

Notre Dame’s Defense Showcases Title Potential

In a display of sheer dominance, Notre Dame took command during their matchup against No. 3 USC, winning 74-61. Head coach Niele Ivey described sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo as a “big-time player in a big-time stage,” but the entire Fighting Irish roster mirrored that sentiment on the court.

Notre Dame’s defense frustrated USC, forcing national player of the year candidate JuJu Watkins into challenging situations, which exposed weaknesses in the Trojans’ gameplay. The Irish capitalized on 21 turnovers, converting them into 22 points, a testament to their defensive prowess which Ivey emphasized was a focal point over the summer.

Hidalgo teamed up effectively with Olivia Miles, who contributed significantly with 20 points, including four three-pointers that helped to seal any potential Trojan comeback. Notably, Notre Dame achieved this success without two key starters, making their performance even more commendable.

USC: A Work in Progress

Watkins managed to score 24 points but faced an uphill battle as Notre Dame’s defensive strategy effectively isolated her. The Trojans are still adjusting, particularly with three new starters and an injured freshman, Kennedy Smith. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb recognizes the challenge: “You don’t schedule this team expecting a runaway victory. The goal is to gain experience and improve, and that process starts now.”

Turnovers emerged as a critical issue for USC, as they struggled against both Ole Miss and Notre Dame, showcasing the need for cohesion among the team. With the season still in its early stages, this period of growth is vital for the Trojans.

Game Highlights for the Week

This week’s spotlight will be on several exciting matchups. One to watch is Notre Dame’s game against TCU on Friday, where their defense faces the challenge of experienced players like 6-7 senior center Sedona Prince and Olympic bronze medalist Hailey Van Lith.

Additionally, the Baha Mar women’s championship on Wednesday will feature Ole Miss, who previously posed difficulties for USC, potentially squaring off against UConn in what could be a thrilling title matchup.

Yahoo Sports AP Ballot Overview

1. UConn
2. Notre Dame
3. UCLA
4. Texas
5. South Carolina
6. USC
7. Oklahoma
8. Maryland
9. Iowa State
10. Kansas State
11. LSU
12. Ohio State
13. West Virginia
14. Ole Miss
15. Duke
16. Kentucky
17. North Carolina
18. NC State
19. TCU
20. Iowa
21. Nebraska
22. Baylor
23. Illinois
24. Creighton
25. Louisville

Official AP Rankings

1. UCLA
2. UConn
3. Notre Dame
4. South Carolina
5. Texas
6. USC
7. LSU
8. Oklahoma
9. Kansas State
10. Maryland
11. Iowa State
12. West Virginia
13. Duke
14. Kentucky
15. Iowa State
16. North Carolina
17. TCU
18. Ole Miss
19. Illinois
20. NC State
21. Oregon
22. Iowa
23. Alabama
24. Louisville
25. Nebraska