After chaotic week, which women's basketball teams remain undefeated?
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After chaotic week, which women's basketball teams remain undefeated?
Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
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5 min read
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Parity is at an all-time high inwomen's college basketball, yet a dozen teams remained undefeated nearly halfway through the season. That all changed in the matter of seven days as conference play got underway.
Eight undefeated teams lost for the first time between Monday, Dec 29 and Sunday Jan. 4—No. 5LSU, No. 6Maryland, No. 7TCU, No. 10Iowa State, No. 24Alabama, No. 26Nebraska, in addition toArizona StateandGeorgia—marking the first time that many teams with a 10-0 or better record lost in that span in 27 years. Only four undefeated teams remain.
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Perfection is hard to achieve. Only 10 teams have completed an undefeated season in four decades, most recently the 2024 championSouth CarolinaGamecocks. But if you're going to lose a game, it's best for it to happen before the postseason and could prove to be beneficial in the long run.
"You don't want to play your best basketball in January," saidIowa State'sAudi Crooks, who leads the nation in scoring. "You don't want to be a monster in January. You want to be a monster in March, and in order to do that you need to recognize your flaws. You need to recognize your shortcomings."
Here's a rundown on where every team stands:
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Mackenly Randolph #4 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) looks to pass during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Imari Berry #2 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Elif Istanbulluoglu #11 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Mackenly Randolph #4 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
Head coaches Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies and Jeff Walz of the Louisville Cardinals share a laugh before the game at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
UConn Huskies guard Ashlynn Shade (12) dribbles after rebounding during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Louisville Cardinals guard Imari Berry (2) shoots over UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma looks onto the court during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) shoots as UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) defends the paint during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Louisville Cardinals head coach Jeff Walz speaks with forward Laura Ziegler (0) during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma reacts during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) dribbles as UConn Huskies guard Ashlynn Shade (12) defends during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) passes up the court during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Louisville Cardinals forward Laura Ziegler (0) dribbles up the court during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma directs his team during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies center Jana el Alfy (8) runs down the court during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) makes a move to the basket as UConn Huskies forward Serah Williams (22) defends during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
A general view as team line up on the court for the National Anthem before the game between the UConn Huskies and the Louisville Cardinals at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
1/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Mackenly Randolph #4 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
1/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Mackenly Randolph #4 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
2/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) looks to pass during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
3/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Imari Berry #2 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
4/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Elif Istanbulluoglu #11 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
5/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Mackenly Randolph #4 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
6/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Head coaches Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies and Jeff Walz of the Louisville Cardinals share a laugh before the game at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
7/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
UConn Huskies guard Ashlynn Shade (12) dribbles after rebounding during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
8/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Imari Berry (2) shoots over UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
9/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma looks onto the court during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
10/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) shoots as UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) defends the paint during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
11/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals head coach Jeff Walz speaks with forward Laura Ziegler (0) during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
12/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma reacts during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
13/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) dribbles as UConn Huskies guard Ashlynn Shade (12) defends during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
14/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) passes up the court during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
15/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals forward Laura Ziegler (0) dribbles up the court during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
16/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma directs his team during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
17/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
UConn Huskies center Jana el Alfy (8) runs down the court during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
18/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) makes a move to the basket as UConn Huskies forward Serah Williams (22) defends during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
19/19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
A general view as team line up on the court for the National Anthem before the game between the UConn Huskies and the Louisville Cardinals at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)
Which undefeated teams lost?
Here's a timeline of how it all went down:
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Dec. 29:Nebraskalost at home against No. 16 USC, theCornhuskers' first ranked opponent of the season. Nebraska followed up the loss with a double-digit loss to No. 14 Iowa on Jan. 4.
Jan. 1:Alabamaran into a buzzsaw against No. 3 South Carolina and the Crimson Tide's 14-game win streak was snapped with a 83-57 loss.
Jan. 1:LSUopened SEC play with a 80-78 loss to No. 12Kentuckyon its home floor. Wildcats guard Tonie Morgan knocked down a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to hand LSU its first loss of the season. The Tigers had the opportunity to bounce back on the road on Jan. 4 against No. 11Vanderbilt, but suffered LSU another loss after surrendering 22 turnovers.Kim Mulkey ripped her team as "not tough enough."
Jan. 1:Georgia faced its first ranked opponent of the season in No. 17Ole Miss. Dani Carnegie dropped 24 points, but it was not enough as the Bulldogs fell 79-62.
Jan. 1:Maryland's Yarden Garzon (17 points),Saylor Poffenbarger (15) andOluchi Okananwa (12) each reached double-digits, butIllinoiscame out with the win after a fourth quarter surge. TheFighting Illini went on a 10-1 run late in the game to capture the lead and the win.
Jan. 3:Arizona State's best start in program history ended at 15 consecutive wins after suffering a 71-62 loss atBYU. The Cougars outrebounded theSun Devils54-25, leading to a 20-7 second-chance points advantage that proved the difference.
Jan 3:TCUsuffered an 87-77 overtime loss at Utah to snap the Horned Frogs' 14-game win streak to start the season.Olivia Mileshad 31 points, seven assists and seven rebounds for TCU, but Utah went on a 7-0 run to secure the win. The Utes held the Horned Frogs to a season-low 37% shooting from the field.
Jan. 4:Iowa State matched its best start in program history with 14 consecutive wins before falling toBaylor, 72-70. Bears guard Taliah Scotthit a 15-foot jumper with 2 seconds remaining to win the game.
2026: UCLA Bruins
(Joe Rondone, The Republic)
2025: Connecticut Huskies
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
2024: South Carolina Gamecocks
(Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports)
2023: LSU Lady Tigers
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
2022: South Carolina Gamecocks
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
2021: Stanford Cardinal
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
2019: Baylor Lady Bears
(Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)
2018: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
(Joseph Maiorana, USA TODAY Sports)
2017: South Carolina Gamecocks
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
2016: Connecticut Huskies
(Joe Robbins, Getty Images)
2015: Connecticut Huskies
(Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)
2014: Connecticut Huskies
(Don McPeak, USA TODAY Sports)
2013: Connecticut Huskies
(Crystal LoGiudice, USA TODAY Sports)
2012: Baylor Bears
(Chris Humphreys, US PRESSWIRE)
2011: Texas A&M Aggies
(Elsa, Getty Images)
2010: Connecticut Huskies
(Brendan Maloney, US PRESSWIRE)
2009: Connecticut Huskies
(Scott Rovak, US PRESSWIRE)
2008: Tennessee Lady Volunteers
(David Butler II, US PRESSWIRE)
2007: Tennessee Lady Volunteers
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
2006: Maryland Terrapins
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
2005: Baylor Lady Bears
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
2004: Connecticut Huskies
(Elsa, Getty Images)
2003: Connecticut Huskies
(Elsa, Getty Images)
2002: Connecticut Huskies
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
2001: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
(Elsa, Getty Images)
2000: Connecticut Huskies
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
1/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2026: UCLA Bruins
(Joe Rondone, The Republic)
1/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2026: UCLA Bruins
(Joe Rondone, The Republic)
2/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2025: Connecticut Huskies
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
3/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2024: South Carolina Gamecocks
(Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports)
4/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2023: LSU Lady Tigers
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
5/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2022: South Carolina Gamecocks
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
6/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2021: Stanford Cardinal
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
7/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2019: Baylor Lady Bears
(Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)
8/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2018: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
(Joseph Maiorana, USA TODAY Sports)
9/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2017: South Carolina Gamecocks
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
10/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2016: Connecticut Huskies
(Joe Robbins, Getty Images)
11/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2015: Connecticut Huskies
(Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)
12/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2014: Connecticut Huskies
(Don McPeak, USA TODAY Sports)
13/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2013: Connecticut Huskies
(Crystal LoGiudice, USA TODAY Sports)
14/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2012: Baylor Bears
(Chris Humphreys, US PRESSWIRE)
15/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2011: Texas A&M Aggies
(Elsa, Getty Images)
16/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2010: Connecticut Huskies
(Brendan Maloney, US PRESSWIRE)
17/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2009: Connecticut Huskies
(Scott Rovak, US PRESSWIRE)
18/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2008: Tennessee Lady Volunteers
(David Butler II, US PRESSWIRE)
19/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2007: Tennessee Lady Volunteers
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
20/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2006: Maryland Terrapins
(Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)
21/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2005: Baylor Lady Bears
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
22/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2004: Connecticut Huskies
(Elsa, Getty Images)
23/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2003: Connecticut Huskies
(Elsa, Getty Images)
24/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2002: Connecticut Huskies
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
25/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2001: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
(Elsa, Getty Images)
26/26
NCAA women's basketball tournament champions since 2000
2000: Connecticut Huskies
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
Which undefeated teams remain?
No. 1UConn(15-0), Big East:The reigning champion Huskies have held down the No. 1 spot in the USA TODAY Sports women's basketball coaches poll for the entirety of the season and for good reason. UConn's average margin of victory is by 37 points and that includes four wins over ranked opponentsLouisville,Michigan, USC and Iowa. The Huskies' winning streak is likely to continue as they enter Big East conference play, where UConn is on a 53-game win streak.
No. 2Texas(17-0), SEC:Texas has the most Quad 1 wins of the remaining undefeated teams with five, including back-to-back victories over No. 4UCLAand No. 3 South Carolina. Texas has had its fair share of blowout victories, but the Longhorns have also shown their ability to grind out tough matchups, including the team's dramatic 67-64 win over No. 17 Ole Miss to open SEC play and improve to 17-0 for the first time since the 1985-86 season.
No. 21Texas Tech(16-0), Big 12:Texas Tech has benefitted from a lighter schedule to reach the program's best start in school history. TheLady Raidershave only faced one ranked opponent so far, defeating No. 21 Baylor by a point on Dec. 21. The back half of the season won't be as friendly. Texas Tech will face Big 12 foes Iowa State on Jan. 31 and TCU on Feb. 1, matchups that'll serve as a barometer for Krista Gerlich's squad.
No. 12 Vanderbilt (15-0), SEC:Vanderbilt's best win of the season came against No. 5 LSU, where the Commodores held the nation's highest scoring offense to 61 points, 45 points under the Tigers' average. The win marked Vanderbilt's lone Quad 1 win. Vanderbilt is three wins away from tying the program's best start in history—the 1992-93 Final Four squad started 17-0—but the competition will ratchet up with matchups against SEC powerhouse No. 8 Michigan, No. 3 South Carolina and No. 17 Ole Miss in January.
