NCAA Women's Basketball Weekly Recap

In a surprising turn of events, perennial powerhouse UConn finds itself outside the top 16 rankings for the first time in 30 years. Meanwhile, Ohio State notched a thrilling overtime victory against Penn State and Washington pulled off a stunning upset against in-state rival Washington State.

UConn Huskies Downfall

In a surprising turn of events, the UConn women's basketball team finds itself outside the top 16 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll, marking their lowest ranking in three decades.

UConn's recent drop to No. 17 in the AP rankings has sent shockwaves through the world of women's college basketball. This marks their lowest position since the second poll of the 1993-94 season when they were positioned at No. 18.

The fall from grace also concludes a remarkable 357-week stretch of being ranked within the top 15, the second-longest in the history of the AP poll, which dates back to 1977.

To put this into context, the only team with a longer streak was Tennessee, which had an impressive 428 consecutive appearances.

UConn's recent struggles raise questions about the team's dynamics and performance. However, as the saying goes, it's not about how hard you fall but how you pick yourself back up.

Road to Redemption?

Despite the disheartening fall in rankings, UConn's recent victory against North Carolina adds a glimmer of hope for the team's resurgence. The question on everyone's mind now is whether this triumph will propel the Huskies back up the rankings.

The upcoming games will undoubtedly be crucial for UConn as they strive to regain their dominance in women's college basketball.

Ohio State Prevails in Overtime Battle with Penn State

Shifting gears, the clash between No. 12 Ohio State and No. 25 Penn State was nothing short of spectacular. Jacy Sheldon's outstanding 31-point performance, coupled with Cotie McMahon's 27 points, powered Ohio State to a thrilling 94-84 overtime victory in their Big Ten Conference opener.

The Buckeyes showcased resilience and determination, overcoming a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

Injury Adds to Penn State's Woes

On the other hand, Penn State faced adversity not only on the scoreboard but also with a significant setback.

Leading scorer Makenna Marisa suffered a leg injury with just under two minutes remaining, further complicating the Nittany Lions' chances. Despite their best efforts, including a late-game surge to tie the score at 80, Penn State couldn't withstand Ohio State's overtime onslaught.

Washington Stuns Rival Washington State

In another compelling matchup, Washington delivered a stunning blow to No. 21 Washington State, winning 60-55. Hannah Stines' career-high 21 points, coupled with Lauren Schwartz's 20, propelled Washington to an early lead that Washington State struggled to overcome. Despite a late surge by the Cougars, Washington's strong start and strategic plays secured the victory.

As the women's college basketball season unfolds, unexpected twists and turns have become the norm. UConn's fall from the top 16 is a testament to the fierce competition in the sport, while Ohio State's overtime triumph and Washington's upset victory showcase the unpredictable nature of each game.

The road to the championship is paved with challenges, and for UConn, the question remains: can they reclaim their spot among the elite? Only time will tell as teams continue to jockey for position in the ever-competitive landscape of women's college basketball.

Cora Rodriguez is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email cir5381@psu.edu.