LSU Secures Top Five Spot in Women’s College Basketball
Amidst a week brimming with standout displays and unexpected outcomes in women’s college basketball, JuJu Watkins, the remarkable freshman representing USC, once again carved her name into the annals of history. In a resounding 87-81 triumph over the formidable No. 11 Colorado, Watkins exhibited her scoring brilliance, amassing a staggering 42 points. This remarkable accomplishment marked her 11th game of the season with 30 or more points, eclipsing the esteemed Cheryl Miller’s school record. It’s worth noting that Miller herself was in attendance, seated courtside to witness Watkins’ historic feat.
Watkins had recently seized the spotlight by notching an impressive 51 points in a triumphant road game against Stanford, a performance that played a pivotal role in USC’s seven-game winning streak. Regrettably, their streak ended abruptly with a 74-68 loss to No. 18 Utah, disrupting the Trojans’ momentum.
The preceding week unfolded with numerous upsets that reverberated through the power rankings. Teams such as Iowa, Stanford, North Carolina, and Oregon State experienced setbacks. Conversely, South Carolina continued its commanding run, decimating Kentucky with an emphatic 103-55 victory. Six Gamecocks contributed double-digit scores, with Bree Hall and MiLaysia Fulwiley leading the offensive charge.
Beyond South Carolina’s dominance, other teams like Ohio State, Texas, Virginia Tech, and LSU exhibited commendable form. Virginia Tech’s Elizabeth Kitley played a starring role in her team’s 10th consecutive win, delivering a stellar 34-point performance against North Carolina. Meanwhile, LSU, buoyed by Hailey Van Lith and Angel Reese, clinched a 75-60 win over Tennessee, with Reese surpassing the significant milestone of 2,000 career points.
In Iowa, the spotlight remained on Caitlin Clark, who secured her 16th career triple-double and fifth of the season in a convincing 101-85 victory over Illinois. Clark’s extraordinary stats included 24 points, 15 rebounds, and ten assists, bringing her overall career points to an impressive 3,617 and placing her tantalizingly close to Pete Maravich’s all-time scoring record of 3,667.
Regarding the power rankings, South Carolina maintained its apex position with an unblemished record of 27-0, closely pursued by Ohio State, Texas, Virginia Tech, and LSU. Despite the setback against Utah, USC held a solid standing in the rankings.
In summary, the week in women’s college basketball unfolded with historic performances, surprising upsets, and the sustained dominance of top-tier teams, setting the stage for the impending March battles.
