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Upset Sunday: Six Top 25 teams suffer losses to shake up the rankings

Upset Sunday: Six Top 25 teams suffer losses to shake up the rankings

A huge day in women’s college basketball shakes up the Top 25 with multiple upsets today.

Madison Booker

Upset Sunday: Six Top 25 teams suffer losses to shake up the rankings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Women’s college basketball delivered one of its most chaotic and revealing days of the season, as six Top 25 teams suffered losses that reshaped the national landscape. The results served as a reminder of just how deep, talented, and unpredictable the sport has become. Conference races tightened and championship expectations were tested, proving once again that rankings offer little protection.

No. 22 North Carolina falls at Notre Dame, 73-50

The chaos began in South Bend, where No. 22 North Carolina ran into a Notre Dame team that looked every bit like a contender on its home floor. The Fighting Irish dominated from start to finish, overwhelming the Tar Heels with pace, physicality, and offensive balance in a convincing 73–50 victory at Purcell Pavilion. What was billed as a competitive ACC road test quickly turned into a statement performance by Notre Dame, which controlled the game’s tempo and exposed Carolina’s offensive struggles.

North Carolina simply could not match the Irish’s firepower, particularly against All-America guard Hannah Hidalgo, whose presence dictated both ends of the floor. While the Tar Heels showed flashes defensively early, their inability to generate consistent offense allowed Notre Dame to seize momentum and gradually pull away. By halftime, the Irish had established control, and a decisive third-quarter surge erased any lingering doubt.

The result not only marked a significant road loss for the Tar Heels, but also underscored the growing gap between teams capable of sustaining offensive pressure and those still searching for rhythm. For Notre Dame, the win served as a reminder that its ceiling remains high, especially at home. For North Carolina, it was a sobering reminder of how thin the margin for error can be against elite competition in the ACC.

No. 2 Texas stunned by No. 12 LSU, 70-65

In one of the day’s most surprising outcomes, No. 2 Texas saw its unbeaten run interrupted by a gritty and determined LSU squad. The Tigers, ranked 12th, came into this SEC-ACC matchup with something to prove and left with a signature victory that could redefine their season.

Texas, known for its explosive offense and star power, found itself locked in a back-and-forth battle with LSU’s physical defense and efficient shooting. Despite keeping pace for much of the contest, the Longhorns struggled to close out the game down the stretch. LSU’s balanced attack and clutch plays in the final minutes flipped the script, handing Texas a tough 70–65 defeat.

This loss exposes the vulnerability of even the highest-ranked teams when faced with an opponent that blends discipline, defense, and composure. For Texas, it’s a reminder that maintaining top form requires constant adjustment and mental toughness. For LSU, the win solidifies their status as a legitimate threat in the SEC and beyond, boosting confidence heading deeper into conference play.

No. 11 Iowa State surprised by West Virginia, 83-70

Iowa State, riding a hot streak and ranked 11th nationally, faced a test that proved tougher than anticipated at home. West Virginia came ready to challenge, and their aggressive style quickly unsettled the Cyclones.

From the opening tip, West Virginia imposed a physical, high-energy pace that forced Iowa State into uncomfortable situations. The Mountaineers’ defense disrupted passing lanes and limited easy baskets, while their own offense thrived in transition and on the perimeter.

Despite Iowa State’s attempts to regain control, West Virginia maintained momentum throughout, pulling away late to secure a convincing 83–70 win. For the Cyclones, the loss halts what had been a promising surge and raises questions about consistency against scrappy opponents. Meanwhile, West Virginia’s victory is a statement about their resilience and ability to compete with top-tier programs.

No. 21 USC falls at Minnesota by a single point

The battle between No. 21 USC and Minnesota was a classic example of how thin the line is between victory and defeat at this level. Playing on the road, the Trojans fought tooth and nail but ultimately came up one point short in a nail-biter.

Minnesota and USC traded blows throughout, with neither team able to build a decisive lead. The game’s intensity and physicality tested both squads’ endurance and focus. In the end, Minnesota’s ability to execute in the clutch proved to be the difference, edging out the Trojans by the slimmest of margins.

For USC, the loss stings not only because of the close score but because it highlights the importance of every possession in tight games. For Minnesota, the win reinforces their growing confidence and ability to perform under pressure at home.

No. 5 Oklahoma Falls to No. 6 Kentucky, 63-57

When two top-10 teams meet, the stakes are always high, and the clash between No. 5 Oklahoma and No. 6 Kentucky was no exception. While technically an upset, given Oklahoma’s higher ranking, the narrow margin and quality of both teams makes this a marquee matchup with playoff implications.

Kentucky’s defense stood out as the key difference, disrupting Oklahoma’s rhythm and forcing contested shots throughout the game. The Wildcats controlled the pace and played with the kind of toughness that is essential in high-level basketball.

Oklahoma, despite the loss, showed resilience and kept the contest close until the final buzzer. The defeat serves as a reality check that in the top tier, no game is guaranteed. Kentucky’s win strengthens their claim as a national contender, while Oklahoma will need to regroup quickly to stay in the hunt.

No. 19 Ohio State Upsets No. 8 Maryland, 89-76

The day’s final shocker came when No. 19 Ohio State took down a hot No. 8 Maryland team, snapping the Terrapins’ winning streak in a commanding victory. The Buckeyes played with confidence and intensity from start to finish, forcing Maryland out of their comfort zone.

Ohio State’s balanced offense and tenacious defense made it difficult for Maryland to find any rhythm. The Buckeyes attacked the paint, knocked down key perimeter shots, and controlled the boards throughout the game.

For Maryland, this loss interrupts momentum and introduces doubt late in the season. Ohio State’s win, however, signals their ability to rise to big occasions and positions them as a dangerous dark horse heading into tournament time.

In a stunning display of unpredictability, six teams falling will shake up the women’s college basketball landscape. From powerhouse upsets to razor-thin losses, these results underscore just how competitive and wide-open this season truly is.

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Category: General Sports

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