Fansided

Women’s college basketball rankings, week 13: movement all around

By Bailey Caldwell

Jan 23, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Taylor Mikesell (24) looks to the scoreboard during the first half of the NCAA women's basketball game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ceb Wbk Iowa Iowa At Ohio State
Jan 23, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Taylor Mikesell (24) looks to the scoreboard during the first half of the NCAA women's basketball game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ceb Wbk Iowa Iowa At Ohio State /
facebooktwitterreddit

After a chaotic week of action, the women’s college basketball rankings saw movement from top to bottom.

And then there were two. After Ohio State’s 0-3 week, South Carolina and LSU are the lone remaining undefeated teams in women’s college basketball. South Carolina remained No. 1 for the 32nd straight week, and LSU moved up to No. 3. The two teams face off on Sunday, Jan. 12, in what could be one of the best games of the season.

Stanford returned to the No. 2 slot, where they have been for most of the season. The Cardinal crossed the 20-win mark this week, giving coach Tara VanDerveer her 33rd 20-win season.

Indiana climbed to No. 4 after big wins over Ohio State and Michigan. UConn held firm at No. 5 after a close win over Villanova. The Huskies have their toughest test this week when South Carolina comes to Storrs.

Iowa jumped four spots to No. 6 after ending Ohio State’s undefeated run and winning a tough game over Nebraska. Utah follows them at No. 7 after a close win over UCLA. Maryland moved up to No. 8 after beating Michigan.

Notre Dame dropped to No. 9 following a loss to NC State. Ohio State plummeted a week-high eight spots to No. 10 after an 0-3 week featuring losses to Iowa, Indiana, and Purdue.

North Carolina continued their climb up the rankings, moving up four spots to No. 11. Iowa State jumped a week-high six spots after a win over Oklahoma, settling in at No. 12. Their ascent moved Virginia Tech down one spot to No. 13.

After the loss to Utah, UCLA dropped six spots to No. 14. NC State jumped five spots to No. 15 after a big win over Notre Dame. Duke and Gonzaga remained No. 16 and No. 17, respectively.

Michigan dropped five spots after losses to Indiana and Maryland. Despite their loss to UConn, Villanova jumped two spots to No.19. Oklahoma dropped six spots to No. 20 after their losses to Texas and Iowa State.

Middle Tennessee hopped up two spots to No. 21. Arizona dropped three spots to No. 22. Florida State moved up one to Bo. 23 after a win over Duke. Texas and South Florida climbed into the rankings at No. 24 and No. 25, respectively, replacing Illinois and Colorado.

Full women’s college basketball rankings, week 13

  1. South Carolina (21-0) (PREV: 1)
  2. Stanford (21-2) (PREV: 3)
  3. LSU (20-0) (PREV: 4)
  4. Indiana (20-1) (PREV: 6)
  5. UConn (20-2) (PREV: 5)
  6. Iowa (17-4) (PREV: 10)
  7. Utah (18-2) (PREV: 9)
  8. Maryland (17-4) (PREV: 10)
  9. Notre Dame (17-3) (PREV: 7)
  10. Ohio State (19-3) (PREV: 2)
  11. North Carolina (16-5) (PREV: 15)
  12. Iowa State (15-4) (PREV: 18)
  13. Virginia Tech (17-4) (PREV: 12)
  14. UCLA (17-5) (PREV: 8)
  15. North Carolina State (16-5) (PREV: 20)
  16. Duke (18-3) (PREV: 16)
  17. Gonzaga (21-2) (PREV: 17)
  18. Michigan (17-5) (PREV: 13)
  19. Villanova (18-4) (PREV: 21)
  20. Oklahoma (16-4) (PREV: 14)
  21. Middle Tennessee (18-2) (PREV: 23)
  22. Arizona (16-5) (PREV: 19)
  23. Florida State (19-5) (PREV: 24)
  24. Texas (16-6) (PREV: NR)
  25. South Florida (PREV: NR)

Others receiving votes

Illinois 45, Colorado 40, USC 17, Tennessee 13, Purdue 12, UNLV 9, Baylor 1, Columbia 1, Oregon 1

Notable games this week

No. 1 South Carolina @ No. 5 UConn, Sunday, Feb. 5, 12:00 p.m. EST – FOX

A rematch of the 2022 national championship game, this game is easily the biggest matchup of this week. UConn has weathered the storm as they’ve been injured, but haven’t faced a team even close to South Carolina’s caliber. The Gamecocks are flat-out dominant, ranking second in offensive rating, first in defensive rating and first in net rating, per Her Hoop Stats. Can UConn find a way to stop them?

No. 16 Duke @ No. 9 Notre Dame, Sunday, Feb. 5, 1:00 p.m. EST – ACCN

This ACC battle will be a fun one. Olivia Miles is arguably the best point guard in the nation, and will likely be unfazed by Duke’s full-court defense. The Blue Devils will also have their hands full with Miles’ running mates, Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld. An even bigger concern, though, is Duke’s offense. If Notre Dame breaks their defense, can the Blue Devils keep up with the scoring?

No. 10 Ohio State @ No. 8 Maryland, Sunday, Feb. 5, 4:00 p.m. EST – ESPN2

Ohio State’s lone game this week is a tough one, especially for a team that has lost three straight. Maryland has been rolling as of late. The Terrapins’ size and length will present a unique challenge for the Buckeyes, while OSU’s depth could give Maryland headaches. Can OSU get back to their winning ways?

Next. 3 games to watch in women’s college basketball for Week 13. dark