44:I[29208,["/_next/static/chunks/2jhrjnncm5raz.js","/_next/static/chunks/1gw-kb5iisnl3.js","/_next/static/chunks/1yt446igj3lq7.js","/_next/static/chunks/0l-6rirxtdwmo.js","/_next/static/chunks/2garizayuhlpl.js","/_next/static/chunks/3-0vwtd1eg-pp.js","/_next/static/chunks/2udqgiyebnpne.js","/_next/static/chunks/2l-gom9jx5wxg.js","/_next/static/chunks/0dsjsiwpje-72.js","/_next/static/chunks/3vdprxpabg9bg.js","/_next/static/chunks/0s7b7lxeeaa3w.js"],"default"] 3c:T41b4,

Women's college basketball continues to thrive following Caitlin Clark's departure to the WNBA.

Numerous players have stepped into the spotlight and are set to showcase their talents on the sport's biggest stage.

Here are 10 names to watch when the women's NCAA Tournament begins Friday.

JuJu Watkins, USC

Michael Hickey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Watkins will be the face of the sport beyond this season. The Trojans phenom has tallied more points than Clark did through her first two campaigns and is just four 30-point games away from tying Cheryl Miller's program record of 25. Watkins is a nightmare in transition with her size, speed, and strength. She can pull up on a dime from anywhere on the floor and makes the right pass when defenses swarm her in the paint. The Los Angeles native is also a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award, showing great help instincts and often getting a hand in passing lanes.

Paige Bueckers, UConn

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Bueckers is the presumptive No. 1 pick in this year's WNBA draft. The Huskies star was the first freshman to sweep the National Player of the Year awards and has recaptured that form after missing the entire 2022-23 campaign with a torn ACL. Bueckers is an efficient three-level scorer with near 50/40/90 shooting splits this season. She's an unselfish player who's always looking to create high-percentage looks for her teammates. Her 3.9 assist-to-turnover ratio leads all players. Bueckers' defense has steadily improved as she uses her length to contest shots and create turnovers.

Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame

Hidalgo may be small in stature, but the 5-foot-6 sophomore guard is Notre Dame's spark plug on both ends of the floor. She ignites the Fighting Irish's transition attack with her speed, plays relentless defense, and isn't afraid to take big shots. Hidalgo ranks fourth in the nation in both scoring (24.2 points per contest) and steals (3.7). She's shooting the ball significantly better from downtown too, making 40.7% of her 3-point attempts.

Lauren Betts, UCLA

Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Betts was the driving force for a UCLA squad that spent most of the campaign atop the AP Poll. The 6-foot-7 center is an imposing figure in the paint as both a shot-blocker and low-post scorer. She's registered the fifth-most swats (85) and is converting 65.6% of her attempts at the rim, per Hoop Explorer. Betts' newfound playmaking adds another wrinkle to her game. She does a good job passing out of double-teams in the post and has been a weapon in dribble handoffs.

Aneesah Morrow, LSU

Reagan Cotten/LSU / University Images / Getty

Morrow's strong senior year is building her draft stock. The 6-foot-1 forward is among 15 players on the national ballot for the Wooden Award and is a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. Morrow's a handful to cover on the glass with her never-ending motor. She's leading all players in rebounds for the second time in four campaigns and trails only Courtney Paris on the Division I all-time list in career double-doubles after picking up 27 this season.

Madison Booker, Texas

Booker followed up a standout freshman campaign with SEC Player of the Year honors. The versatile second-year wing paces Texas in scoring (16.2) and ranks second on the team in rebounds (6.6), assists (2.8), and steals (1.6). She's knocking down 13% more threes this season and boasts an elite mid-range game. Booker was the Longhorns' de facto floor general last season in Rori Harmon's absence and continues to facilitate the offense at times.

Ta'Niya Latson, Florida State

Justin Casterline / Getty Images Sport / Getty

This list wouldn't be complete without the country's leading scorer. Latson is the focal point on the NCAA's second-highest scoring unit, averaging 24.9 points on 45.1% shooting. The Miami native blows by defenders off the bounce, has the body control to convert difficult finishes at the rim, and frequently draws fouls with her forceful drives. She's raised her game on the defensive end as well, placing fifth in the ACC with 2.2 steals per contest. Florida State failed to win an NCAA Tournament game in each of Latson's first two seasons, but it's only a matter of time until the program breaks through.

Olivia Miles, Notre Dame

Miles is the other half of Notre Dame's dynamic backcourt. The 22-year-old has been stellar after missing the previous campaign with a torn ACL, tallying a career-high 16.2 points per game and a 2.15 assist-to-turnover ratio. She leads the ACC in assists (5.8) for the third time in four seasons. Miles has also improved arguably her biggest weakness, connecting on 40.9% of her attempts from deep after entering the year as a 24.6% career 3-point shooter. Miles' return allows Hidalgo to play off the ball and has solidified the Fighting Irish as national contenders.

Sarah Strong, UConn

Strong has looked like anything but a freshman. The top-ranked recruit in last year's class has immediately provided UConn with a bona fide No. 2 option alongside Bueckers. Strong can carry the ball coast to coast like a guard, pick-and-pop for three, and uses her quick hands to steal the ball from opponents. The Huskies have maximized her passing ability as well, using the 6-foot-2 forward as a playmaking hub in the high post. It's been nearly a decade since the school captured its last national championship, but Strong might be the missing piece to the puzzle.

Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt Athletics / University Images / Getty

Blakes is another player making headlines in her debut season. The high-scoring Vanderbilt guard already has a pair of 50-point games on her resume. Blakes' 55-point outburst against Auburn last February broke Elena Delle Donne's Division I women's freshman record of 54 set in 2010. Blakes led a highly competitive SEC in scoring during conference play, posting 26.9 points on 46.9% shooting, including a 39.8% clip from deep. Her quick shot release, pull-up jumper, movement shooting, and ability to attack downhill have made the Commodores star one of the country's most lethal scorers.

Honorable mentions: Georgia Amoore (Kentucky), Flau'Jae Johnson (LSU), Hailey Van Lith (TCU), Chloe Kitts (South Carolina)

3d:T41b4,

Women's college basketball continues to thrive following Caitlin Clark's departure to the WNBA.

Numerous players have stepped into the spotlight and are set to showcase their talents on the sport's biggest stage.

Here are 10 names to watch when the women's NCAA Tournament begins Friday.

JuJu Watkins, USC

Paige Bueckers, UConn

Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame

Lauren Betts, UCLA

Aneesah Morrow, LSU

Madison Booker, Texas

Ta'Niya Latson, Florida State

Olivia Miles, Notre Dame

Sarah Strong, UConn

Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt

Honorable mentions: Georgia Amoore (Kentucky), Flau'Jae Johnson (LSU), Hailey Van Lith (TCU), Chloe Kitts (South Carolina)

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Betts","type":"PlayerTag","images":{"small":"https://d1si3tbndbzwz9.cloudfront.net/transparent_default_headshot_small.png"},"api_uri":"/wcbk/players/104621","colours":["0F47A2","F2A900"],"subscribable_alerts":[],"has_transparent_headshots":false}],"display_type":"default"}}] 3e:T47f,

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lauren Betts isn’t playing for top-ranked UCLA against No. 22 Michigan State because of a right foot injury.

The Big Ten’s second-leading scorer sat out Sunday’s game at Pauley Pavilion and was wearing a boot on her foot. It's the first game Betts has missed this season. The 6-foot-7 starting center is day-to-day.

Betts had her 13th double-double of the season with 18 points and 13 rebounds in a 71-60 loss to sixth-ranked Southern California on Thursday. The defeat snapped UCLA’s 23-game winning streak.

She is averaging 19.5 points and 9.9 rebounds.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

3f:T47f,

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lauren Betts isn’t playing for top-ranked UCLA against No. 22 Michigan State because of a right foot injury.

Betts had her 13th double-double of the season with 18 points and 13 rebounds in a 71-60 loss to sixth-ranked Southern California on Thursday. The defeat snapped UCLA’s 23-game winning streak.

She is averaging 19.5 points and 9.9 rebounds.

___

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College Basketball Full-Court Press recaps the most important developments from the sport and examines their significance moving forward.

Betts making Wooden Award case

The National Player of the Year race is heating up.

Lauren Betts' case for the Wooden Award is just as good as any. The 6-foot-7 center is averaging 20.2 points, 9.7 boards, and 2.9 assists. She ranks third in the NCAA in player efficiency rating (42), fourth in blocks (2.8), and eighth in field-goal percentage (64.1%). Betts is also among the NCAA's leaders in double-doubles with 11 in 19 appearances.

Her improved playmaking has added another dimension to UCLA's elite offense. She's a weapon in dribble handoffs, she makes simple reads when doubled, and she kicks the ball out to open shooters on the perimeter. Betts tallied a career-high 11 assists in the Bruins' most recent victory over Minnesota, becoming the first women's college basketball player standing 6-foot-7 or taller to have 10 assists in one contest, according to Dano Mataya of Her Hoop Stats.

Betts' passing ability puts opponents in a dilemma. Few players have the size, strength, and finesse to match up one-on-one against her down low. Sending an extra defender at her leaves them vulnerable against UCLA's 3-point threats. Betts has thrived regardless of the opposition's scheme, posting some historic numbers during her junior year. She dropped 33 points on 14-of-15 shooting versus then-No. 8 Maryland, becoming the first player in the past 25 years to score at least 30 points on 90% shooting against a top-10 opponent.

Betts' rim protection has made the Bruins extremely difficult to score on in the paint. They're third nationally in opponent 2-point percentage (33.8%) and 14th in blocks (5.2). Betts set a single-game school record last month versus Baylor with nine rejections. She's recorded three-plus swats on nine occasions this season.

South Carolina rules SEC

Ethan Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The last three weeks have cemented South Carolina as the undisputed top squad in a tough SEC. The Gamecocks remain undefeated in conference play with five consecutive wins over ranked opponents. Their average margin of victory in those top-25 tilts is 18.6 points, including a 101-60 rout of then-No. 13 Oklahoma. Dawn Staley's defense continues to shine despite losing Ashlyn Watkins for the rest of the campaign. Opponents are shooting only 21% from deep and 32.7% overall in Watkins' absence. The Gamecocks' athleticism across the roster and constant ball pressure have given counterparts fits all season long.

South Carolina delivered one of its finest defensive performances of the campaign against arguably its biggest SEC threat. The team limited a potent LSU offense to a season-low 56 points - well below its average of 88.3 - on 29.9% shooting. The Tigers' Big Three of Flau'Jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, and Aneesah Morrow shot a combined 31.5% from the field and coughed up the ball 11 times. The Gamecocks registered 13 steals and scored 22 points off turnovers. LSU was held scoreless for extended stretches, including the last 4:51 of the second quarter.

The scary part about South Carolina's latest triumph over the Tigers was that the team won by double digits in spite of a poor offensive showing. Every team is bound to have an off-shooting night. But the Gamecocks can lean on a top defense to grind out a win.

Last No. 1 seed up for grabs

Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty

UCLA, South Carolina, and Notre Dame have remained atop the AP poll for the last eight weeks and would each earn a No. 1 seed if the NCAA Tournament started today. The last top seed is suddenly back on the table after USC's shocking defeat to Iowa over the weekend. The Trojans still have the upper hand with top-10 road wins over UConn and Maryland on their resume. However, their remaining Big Ten schedule features a clash with the top-ranked Bruins and a prime-time date with No. 8 Ohio State next weekend.

Texas moved up to fourth in the latest AP poll and trails only South Carolina in Quad 1 wins. The Longhorns have signature victories over Maryland, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Alabama. Their only defeats this season are to the Gamecocks and an overtime loss on the road versus The Fighting Irish. Texas can build its case further with its next four games coming against ranked opponents.

UConn always seems to find itself in the conversation for a No. 1 seed, even though it's been nearly a decade since its last national championship. The Huskies did most of their heavy lifting early on, picking up wins over North Carolina, Ole Miss, Louisville, and Iowa State. The Big East isn't as competitive as it once was, so Geno Auriemma has scheduled a pair of non-conference road matchups against Tennessee and South Carolina. A win over either school could be a difference-maker when the committee gathers in March.

LSU was undefeated until the team fell to South Carolina nearly two weeks ago. It's the lone blemish on another strong start under Kim Mulkey. The Tigers' non-conference schedule was fairly light, with a neutral-site win over NC State being the lone highlight. Their path to a No. 1 seed runs through the deep SEC. LSU already has a pair of top-20 wins over Oklahoma and Tennessee. A road victory versus Texas in mid-February could give the Tigers the inside track.

Transition three

Johnnie Izquierdo / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Vandy's building something special: Vanderbilt had gone six straight seasons without an NCAA Tournament appearance when Shea Ralph took the school's head coaching gig in 2021. The ex-UConn player and assistant has quickly turned the program around, leading the Commodores back to the Big Dance in her third year on the job and its first AP poll ranking in 11 years. Vanderbilt boasts one of the nation's highest-scoring offenses, ranking seventh at 85.3 points per contest. Mikayla Blakes has been electric in her debut campaign, averaging 22.1 points on 47.1% shooting. The No. 8 overall recruit recently broke JuJu Watkins' single-game freshman scoring record, dropping 53 points in last Thursday's win over Florida. A big test awaits Thursday when the Commodores head to Austin for a showdown versus No. 4 Texas.

Miles' comeback key to Hidalgo's success: Hannah Hidalgo is Notre Dame's top offensive option and could very well become the first player in school history to take home the Wooden Award. Her improved scoring and efficiency have been aided by Olivia Miles' return from a torn ACL. Miles has re-taken her role as the Fighting Irish's primary facilitator, dishing out an ACC-leading 6.5 dimes per contest. The senior guard's 2.54 assist-to-turnover ratio is tied for 21st nationally. Miles' elite finishing at the rim and newfound 3-point stroke have given Niele Ivey's squad a dynamic backcourt punch that's been nearly unstoppable so far.

Ohio State's big week: The Buckeyes could single-handedly shake up the AP poll and race for the top seeds during its upcoming road trip to Los Angeles. A win over No. 1 UCLA or No. 7 USC would be a huge statement heading into the final stretch of Big Ten play. Ohio State has an impressive 15-point comeback win over then-No. 8 Maryland on its resume, but it's also suffered a shocking loss to Penn State. The next seven days will be a helpful measuring stick for the eighth-ranked Buckeyes.

41:T2c22,

College Basketball Full-Court Press recaps the most important developments from the sport and examines their significance moving forward.

Betts making Wooden Award case

The National Player of the Year race is heating up.

South Carolina rules SEC

Last No. 1 seed up for grabs

Transition three

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College Basketball Full-Court Press recaps the most important developments from the sport and examines their significance moving forward.

Hidalgo leads Wooden Award race

Much of the Wooden Award talk entering this season centered around UConn's Paige Bueckers and USC's JuJu Watkins. Both players are off to solid starts, but it's Notre Dame star Hannah Hidalgo who's emerging as the clear favorite for National Player of the Year.

The Fighting Irish have non-conference wins over the Huskies and Trojans, and Hidalgo stole the show on both occasions. The 5-foot-6 guard outdueled Watkins in Los Angeles with 24 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and five steals, and she then became the first player over the past 25 seasons to have multiple 25-point, 10-rebound, and five-assist games versus UConn.

Hidaldo's scoring and efficiency are up significantly with a healthy Olivia Miles again taking primary facilitating duties. The sophomore is the NCAA's second-highest scorer (25.9 points per game) and sits 11th in 3-point percentage (45.7%). She's on pace to lead the nation in steals for the second straight season and needed only 45 appearances to reach 200 career steals, tying a Division I record over the last 25 campaigns.

UCLA is real deal

Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / Getty

UCLA was a popular preseason pick to win it all despite never reaching a Final Four, and its upset victory over then-No. 1 South Carolina cemented the Bruins as a national contender. Cori Close's squad held the defending champs to a season-low 62 points on 36.4% shooting, won the rebounding battle by seven, tallied 15 points off turnovers, and had five different players register double digits in scoring.

That signature win in November highlighted the formula to UCLA's 15-0 start. Lauren Betts leads a group of eight players with at least 7.3 points per contest. The team's size and length across the board have made them the No. 2 defensive team, per Barttorvik.com. The Bruins rank second in opponent field-goal percentage (32.4%), 10th in points allowed (52.9), and are outrebounding their counterparts by an average of 18.4.

UCLA's success revolves around Betts. The 6-foot-7 junior is growing more comfortable demanding the ball and operates with patience down low. She has the strength to seal off defenders and can score over either shoulder. Betts also has the awareness to kick the ball out and re-post whenever defenses initially stop her. Teams have to think twice when doubling the imposing center. She's more than capable of finding the open player when swarmed, and the Bruins have enough 3-point threats to keep defenses honest. Her two-man game with Kiki Rice is flourishing, too. Opponents have to respect Rice's downhill speed as well as her playmaking ability when she's operating out of high ball screens with Betts.

USC rounding into form

Luiza Moraes / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Bruins aren't the only team in Los Angeles making noise.

USC has bounced back from an early-season home defeat to Notre Dame with 10 straight wins, including a pair of top-25 victories. The most notable result was a thrilling 72-70 triumph against UConn, which featured standout performances from both Watkins and Kiki Iriafen. Watkins became the first player to post a 25-5-5-3 stat line on the road versus an AP top-five opponent, while Iriafen added 16 points, 11 boards, and a career-high six assists.

Watkins has been on a tear over the last 10 games, averaging 26.7 points, 6.1 boards, 3.7 assists, two steals, and 1.6 blocks. The sophomore guard continues to single-handedly take over games with her shot-making ability, playmaking prowess, and strong defensive play, and her improved decision-making is boosting her shooting percentages and cutting down turnovers. Iriafen is settling in, too, following her offseason transfer to the Trojans. The 6-foot-3 forward has posted 18.4 points and 9.6 boards per contest to go along with five double-doubles during the school's winning streak. She's relentless on the glass and an anchor for one of the stingiest teams.

USC's star duo can measure up against anybody, but they'll need contributions from others to break the school's 39-year Final Four drought. Senior forward Rayah Marshall has been a constant rim-protecting presence throughout her career, while freshman guard Kennedy Smith has flashed a 3-and-D skill set since her return from injury. Big Ten play will go a long way in determining if anyone can step up alongside Watkins and Iriafen.

Transition three

UConn's got another one: The Huskies will be just fine when Paige Bueckers leaves for the WNBA next year. Top-ranked recruit Sarah Strong has stepped in and immediately provided UConn with a bona fide triple-threat alongside the 2021 National Player of the Year. Strong can stretch the floor, facilitate at the elbow, carry the ball upcourt, and generate steals with her quick hands. The freshman's versatility has the Huskies as a top-10 offensive and defensive unit, per Barttorvik.com. Her presence is also easing the burden on Bueckers, who's shooting a career-best 55.9% from the field.

Morrow's consistency: Aneesah Morrow has been one of the game's most productive players since her collegiate career began four years ago. She led the nation in rebounding as a freshman and was the fourth-highest scorer during her sophomore year. Morrow then transferred from DePaul to LSU, where she continues to put up big numbers. The 6-foot-1 senior is averaging 18.1 points and leads the NCAA in both rebounds (14 per contest) and double-doubles (15). She's only four double-doubles away from second on the Division I all-time list and on pace to crack the top three in boards. The Tigers will be in the national title picture with Morrow, Flau'Jae Johnson, and Mikaylah Williams leading an explosive offense.

Don't sleep on South Carolina: The Gamecocks' first defeat in over a year shouldn't have been cause for concern. Dawn Staley's squad was still adjusting to life without Kamilla Cardoso, and Ashlyn Watkins needed time to get in proper game condition after her suspension from team activities was lifted. South Carolina has since rattled off nine straight wins, including three dominant top-15 victories. The Gamecocks are one of two schools with a top-five offense and defense, according to Barttorvik.com. Nearly 84% of their scoring returned from last year's national championship roster. They lead the country with 42.7 points per game from their reserves, led by 10.8 from freshman forward Joyce Edwards. South Carolina might not have a go-to option like Cardoso, but its strength in numbers could result in back-to-back titles.

43:T3159,

College Basketball Full-Court Press recaps the most important developments from the sport and examines their significance moving forward.

Hidalgo leads Wooden Award race

UCLA is real deal

USC rounding into form

The Bruins aren't the only team in Los Angeles making noise.

Transition three

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Lauren Betts

Lauren Betts

7 storylines to watch entering Sweet 16 of women's NCAA tourney

Watkins, Bueckers headline stars to watch in NCAA women's tourney

Betts out with right foot injury for top-ranked UCLA

CBB Full-Court Press: UCLA's Betts building Wooden Award case

CBB Full-Court Press: Notre Dame's Hidalgo favorite for Wooden Award