PROVIDENCE, R.I. – For the first time this season, the BIG EAST landed six women’s basketball teams in the Associated Press and the USA Today/ESPN Coaches polls, released after the fourth week of play.
Once again, Connecticut topped both lists after two dominating performances, stretching its win streak to 86. The Huskies beat USF 80-54 Dec. 2 and Sacred Heart 86-32 Dec. 5. West Virginia climbed to ninth in both polls as the Mountaineers remained undefeated with an 8-0 mark. The Mountaineers downed Elon 90-51 Dec. 2 and High Point 89-57 Dec. 4.
Georgetown jumped one spot in both polls to No. 11/12, while Notre Dame slid to No. 18/18. The Hoyas went 2-0 last week, getting by Richmond 65-64 Dec. 1 and defeating Wake Forest 64-49 Dec. 4. The Irish posted a 1-1 record last week, dropping a 76-65 decision to No. 2/3 Baylor Dec. 1 before defeating Purdue 72-51 Dec. 5.
St. John’s held its ground in the AP list, while gaining three positions in the USA Today/ESPN ranks to claim No. 20/21. The Red Storm improved to 7-1 last week, beating Boston University 66-42. Breaking into the rankings for the first time this season, DePaul rounds out the BIG EAST contingent. The Blue Demons are No. 24 the AP poll, while receiving 52 votes in the USA Today/ESPN poll.
Louisville received votes in both polls, while Syracuse and Marquette collected USA Today/ESPN votes.
To view the polls in their entirety, please visit the BIG EAST women’s basketball national poll page.
