On Monday, UCLA concluded its season as the premier team in The Associated Press women’s basketball Top 25, having decisively triumphed over South Carolina to secure its inaugural NCAA championship.
The Bruins were a unanimous selection from the 31-member national media panel, marking the first time in the institution’s history that they finished a season as the top choice. Their initial No. 1 ranking was achieved after they also defeated South Carolina in November 2024.
The Gamecocks were positioned in second place, trailing the Bruins, with Final Four contenders UConn and Texas occupying the third and fourth spots, respectively. The Huskies, who have maintained a presence in the top 10 of the final poll for 33 consecutive years, had held the No. 1 position all season until Monday, remaining undefeated until their defeat by South Carolina on Friday.
Nos. 5 Duke, 6 TCU, and 7 Michigan, all of which advanced to the Elite Eight, were ranked after the Longhorns. LSU claimed eighth place, with Notre Dame at ninth. The Fighting Irish achieved the most significant ascent in the rankings, advancing 13 positions after progressing to the regional final, which included an unexpected triumph over Vanderbilt in the Sweet 16. Vanderbilt held the tenth spot.
Marking Milestones
The Bruins are among a select group of only three teams featured in both the inaugural women’s basketball poll five decades prior and the conclusive Top 25 of the current season. Maryland and Baylor constitute the other two. The Terrapins concluded their season at 20th, while the Bears secured the 23rd position.
Virginia’s Return to Rankings
No. 19 Virginia secured its initial ranking since 2011, having advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first occasion in 26 years. They also distinguished themselves as the first squad from the First Four to proceed to the regional semifinals.
Despite their achievements, the Cavaliers executed a coaching alteration over the weekend, dismissing Amaka Agugua-Hamilton. The Cavaliers had consistently appeared in the poll until their absence beginning November 10, 2011.
Conference Prowess
The SEC and the Big Ten each boasted eight teams within the season’s conclusive Top 25. The ACC contributed five, The Big 12 three, and The Big East one.