Baylor and USC Break Into Women's AP Top 10: A New Era Begins

Exciting Changes in the AP Top 25 Women's Poll

This week, the Associated Press women's basketball poll witnessed a thrilling shift as Baylor and USC both soared into the top 10 after a series of outstanding performances. After a decisive victory in Paris against then-No. 7 Duke, Baylor climbed nine places to settle at No. 7. Meanwhile, USC regrouped after narrowly edging out then-No. 9 NC State by just one point, bolstering their position with a leap of ten spots to land at eighth overall.

Looking at the Standings

Sitting at the pinnacle of the poll, UConn retains its top spot, followed closely by South Carolina, UCLA, and Texas

Star Players and Upcoming Challenges

While USC faces the tough reality of missing standout JuJu Watkins for the entire season due to an ACL injury, Coach Lindsay Gottlieb is looking towards the future with new talent like Jazzy Davidson, who delivered a clutch performance by hitting the go-ahead shot against NC State.

The Poll Breakdown

The women's basketball poll is celebrating its 50th anniversary this November, showcasing the growth and popularity of the sport. Notably, Baylor and USC are not the only ones shifting positions; teams like LSU and Oklahoma secured their standings within the top tier as well. Meanwhile, Maryland managed to move up one spot to No. 9 as competition heats up.

Key Matchups to Watch

• No. 2 South Carolina vs. No. 9 USC: This upcoming clash has been dubbed "The Real SC," highlighting the growing rivalry. Expect fireworks as these two powerhouses battle it out.
• No. 17 TCU at No. 10 N.C. State: As N.C. State attempts to rebound from their narrow loss, this matchup offers a critical opportunity to reassert their dominance.

Embracing a New Era

The excitement surrounding this season is palpable. With fresh faces emerging and established teams battling for supremacy, the women's college basketball landscape is evolving. As we look forward to the upcoming games, let's reflect on the heart and tactics that make this sport so thrilling.

Celebrating History

As we dive deeper, let's not forget how the women's basketball poll transformed from a coaches' poll to a media panel-driven poll in 1994-95. This evolution has helped shine a brighter spotlight on women's sports, achieving a well-deserved recognition that continues to grow.

What's Next?

As we head into the heart of the season, all eyes will be on Baylor and USC to see if they can maintain their momentum and secure their spots among the elite. Every game will be critical, not only for their standings but also for their respective legacies.