UConn Tops AP Women’s Basketball Poll After Close Win Over Michigan

STORRS, Conn. — The University of Connecticut‘s women’s basketball team has remained No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 poll following a narrow victory over Michigan. The Huskies secured a 72-69 win on Friday in the Naismith Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase, claiming 30 of the 32 first-place votes from a national media panel.

UConn‘s Azzi Fudd shone in the match, scoring a remarkable 31 points, including a crucial stretch of nine consecutive points that ended an eight-minute scoring drought for the team. This game marked UConn’s closest contest of the season, as they initially held a commanding 20-point lead before Michigan closed the gap.

The Huskies are set to play Xavier this Sunday at 2:30 p.m., hoping to extend their undefeated record of 6-0. Meanwhile, No. 2 South Carolina also stays perfect this season, boasting a record of 6-0 after a dominant victory against Queens, where they scored a staggering 121 points.

The upcoming week features a highly anticipated matchup between No. 3 UCLA and No. 4 Texas in Las Vegas. Both teams made the Final Four last season, and the Bruins are banking on their size advantage while the Longhorns will rely on their star wing player.

The South-Eastern Conference continues to dominate the rankings with eight teams, including three in the top five. Iowa registered the most significant rise, jumping to No. 11 after defeating then-No. 7 Baylor.

Falling teams include Baylor, NC State, and USC, all of which slid down the rankings following defeats. The Wolfpack dropped to No. 25 after suffering a stunning upset by an unranked team.

The next game for the top-ranked UConn as well as several other teams will be pivotal as all look to maintain their positions in the competitive landscape of women’s collegiate basketball.