Top Women’s College Basketball Teams Facing Concerns in Week 1
The opening week of the women’s college basketball season has concluded, revealing several top teams encountering early challenges. While many preseason favorites delivered decisive victories, a few struggled to meet expectations.
Concerns for Top Women’s College Basketball Teams
UCLA’s Struggles
UCLA faced San Diego State in its season opener, but the Bruins fell short of their usual excellence. Coach Cori Close noted the team’s lack of focus and execution. Currently, UCLA has only two healthy big players, impacting their strategy. Despite a better performance against UC Santa Barbara, their effectiveness against tougher opponents like Oklahoma remains uncertain.
UConn’s Strong Start
The UConn Huskies, ranked number one, began their season with a 13-point victory over 20th-ranked Louisville. They quickly adapted to the loss of star Paige Bueckers, showcasing their depth. The Huskies took control early, building a 16-point lead by the first quarter.
Concerns Over Duke’s Offense
Duke’s initial performance raised alarms as the Blue Devils struggled offensively, shooting only 29% from the field against their rivals. The returning starters were expected to perform better, but they were plagued by turnovers and inefficiencies, marking a disappointing start to the season.
Noteworthy Performances Across the League
Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes Shines
Mikayla Blakes of Vanderbilt delivered an impressive performance, scoring 27 points in a 74-65 victory against California. She played the entire game, standing out among Division I players. Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph praised her as potentially the best player in college basketball.
NC State’s Grit Against Tennessee
NC State secured a noteworthy win over Tennessee despite losing key players from last season. Zoe Brooks and freshman Destiny Lunan contributed significantly, demonstrating the team’s depth and resilience.
South Dakota State’s Upset Victory
South Dakota State delivered a surprising victory against Creighton, winning 78-62. Despite not being ranked, Brooklyn Meyer scored 33 points, highlighting her potential as a game-changer for her team this season.
Looking Ahead: Key Matchups
Richmond vs. Texas
A key matchup on the horizon is No. 24 Richmond facing No. 4 Texas. This game will serve as a test for Richmond’s offense against a strong Texas defense. The Spiders have key returning players and need to elevate their performance against elite competition.
NC State vs. Southern California
Another important game to watch is No. 9 NC State against No. 18 Southern California. This matchup is crucial for both teams as NC State seeks to maintain momentum after an impressive victory, while USC looks to showcase its potential without its standout player.
The early season has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive women’s college basketball season. Teams must adapt quickly to overcome early challenges and build momentum as they navigate the schedule ahead.
