Full Breakdown
Women's College Basketball Week 3 AP Top 25 Rankings Overview
11/22/2025, 2:38:37 AM
Key Rankings and Performance Highlights
The Week 3 AP Top 25 rankings for women's college basketball reflect significant performances and shifts among teams. The UConn Huskies lead the rankings with 794 points and 28 first-place votes, maintaining a dominant position with a record of 101 wins by 50 or more points over the last decade. Following UConn, the South Carolina Gamecocks secured 759 points and three first-place votes, continuing their impressive streak with 82 consecutive wins against unranked opponents.
The UCLA Bruins hold the third position with 748 points, having won 31 straight regular-season non-conference games. The Texas Longhorns, with a commanding performance against Texas Southern, earned 700 points, showcasing their ability to capitalize on turnovers and dominate in the paint.
Notable Team Movements
Several teams made significant strides in the rankings this week. The Michigan Wolverines jumped eight spots to earn 560 points after a historic 93-54 victory over Notre Dame, marking their largest win over a ranked opponent. The TCU Horned Frogs made a notable leap, earning 521 points following a crucial road win against then-No. 10 NC State, their first road victory over a top 10 team since 2011.
West Virginia Mountaineers entered the rankings with 126 points after defeating then-No. 15 Duke 57-49, despite playing the second half with only five players due to ejections. The Oklahoma State Cowgirls also made headlines, collecting 239 points and setting a record with 72 made three-pointers in their first five games, a feat not accomplished by any Division I team since the 1999-2000 season.
Individual Performances
Individual performances have also been noteworthy. Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo set a Division I record with 16 steals against Akron, contributing to her 44-point game. Iowa State's Audi Crooks scored 43 points in just 20 minutes against Valparaiso, marking the most points scored in a half in the program's history.
Additionally, Baylor Bears' Taliah Scott played a pivotal role in their comeback against UNLV, while Oklahoma Sooners' Payton Verhulst has been instrumental in their three-game winning streak since a loss to UCLA.
Criticism and Challenges
Despite the successes, teams face challenges ahead. The Michigan Wolverines, while celebrating their recent victory, must maintain consistency to avoid potential pitfalls in upcoming games. The TCU Horned Frogs and West Virginia Mountaineers will need to build on their recent successes to solidify their standings in the rankings.
What's Next
As the season progresses, the upcoming Week 4 poll is expected to reflect further changes, influenced by key matchups and performances. Teams like Michigan and TCU will be under scrutiny as they aim to sustain their momentum, while UConn, South Carolina, and UCLA continue to set the standard at the top of the rankings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Huskies have 101 wins by 50 or more points over the last 10 seasons.” — Source
- “The 93-54 win over Notre Dame was the largest win over a ranked team in school history.” — Source
- “West Virginia entered the rankings with a tough and impressive win.” — Source
- “Week 3 showed how fast things can change.” — Source
