Checking in on the biggest storylines in women’s college basketball

The GIST: Women’s college basketball is hotter than ever, with new stars, new contenders, and the same amazing on-court product. Here’s what to know as we near the midway point of the season.

🐻 A new No. 1: UCLA has held the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll since upsetting defending champion No. 2 South Carolina on November 24th. The Bruins, who had never been ranked No. 1 prior to this season, are led by Player of the Year contender Lauren Betts. The junior star has propelled UCLA to a perfect 16-0 start. Dominance.

3️⃣ Three teams remain undefeated: Along with UCLA, No. 5 LSU and No. 9 Ohio State are the other two squads without a blemish on their record. It’s not unheard of to go undefeated in women’s college basketball with 10 perfect seasons on record, a feat South Carolina achieved last season. Could one of these teams make it 11?

🍀 Notre Dame’s dynamic guard duo: Fighting Irish sophomore Hannah Hidalgo and senior Olivia Miles are undoubtedly the country’s most exciting guard pairing. Hidalgo is averaging a whopping 25.7 points per game, while Miles averages 16.6 points and 7.3 assists per game. And together, they’re good for at least one eye-popping highlight every night. Truly can’t miss.

🟠 No. 15 Tennessee’s exciting new identity: Vols HC Kim Caldwell is completely revamping Tennessee’s style of play in her first season at the helm. Her storied squad has become known for intense defense and shooting a high volume of three-pointers. They even set an NCAA record for made threes in a game, hitting 30 on December 14th. Shooters shoot.