The upcoming week in the NCAA Division I women’s basketball promises a lot of high-octane action. From top-ranked teams looking to maintain their dominance to underdogs making a run for their money, it is set to feature it all.

As a result, noted basketball analyst Autumn Johnson is back at the drawing board to select the five matches that fans need to keep an eye on. Let's take a look at the clashes that she assumed would be the most exciting.

1. UConn hosts Tennessee

The undefeated No. 1 UConn Huskies (22-0, 12-0 Big East) will host No. 15 Tennessee (14-3, 6-0 SEC) at the XL Center in Hartford on Sunday at noon.

UConn holds a 17-10 advantage in the team's head-to-head history. However, last season, the Lady Vols pulled off an 80-76 upset over UConn thanks to Zee Spearman’s last-minute bucket.

Both teams are coming off recent wins. On one hand, UConn defeated Xavier in a 97-39 lopsided victory while missing six players due to injuries.

And on another one, Tennessee, managed a narrow 60-58 victory against the Kentucky Wildcats on January 22. They are also the only SEC team still undefeated in the conference.

All in all, it's quite apparent why Johnson kept this match at the top of her list.

2. The rivalry returns with Michigan vs. Michigan State

The Michigan Wolverines (16-3) travel to face long-time rival Michigan State Spartans (18-2) on February 1st in a Big Ten showdown. Historically, the Spartans lead the rivalry 37-19, but the Wolverines claimed the last matchup, 71-61, on February 9, 2025.

Michigan State enters at its highest rank of the season in the AP Poll at No. 13. Fresh off a 74-68 home win against USC, the Spartans along with senior Grace Vanslooten (15.2 PPG) will want the bragging rights from this clash.

3. West Virginia challenges Baylor

The Baylor Bears (20-3) will visit No. 22 West Virginia (17-5) at the WVU Coliseum in the Big 12. Baylor is ranked 14th nationally and holds a 24-4 all-time record over the Mountaineers. Though they suffered their worst losses to Texas in December, Baylor is currently on an 8-game winning streak.

Gigi Cooke, on the other hand, has been a standout for WVU, averaging 14.5 points per game, and will need another big performance if the Mountaineers want to challenge the top team in the Big 12.

4. Oklahoma meets Texas in an SEC Showdown

No. 10 Oklahoma (16-4, 4-3 SEC) hosts Texas aiming for their third consecutive win after defeating Auburn (72-65) and South Carolina (94-82) in recent outings. Freshman Aaliyah Chavez leads the Sooners with 19.1 points, while senior Raegan Beers contributes with 16.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

Texas returns from an 11-day break after weather issues postponed their games. They last played on January 18, winning 80-35 against Texas A&M. But Coach Vic Schaefer is concerned about losing rhythm: “I’m always worried about rust.”

Will the unforgiving SEC finally get to the Longhorns?

5. Iowa goes to LA to face the Bruins

Finally, the No. 2 UCLA Bruins (22-1) host the No. 8 Hawkeyes at Pauley Pavilion. Last season, UCLA narrowly defeated Iowa 67-65, and this year’s matchup will be a chance at redemption for Jan Jensen and her team.

The Hawkeyes have won three straight games against ranked opponents, but UCLA is at the top of their game with Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice averaging at least 15 points per game. Iowa faces a significant setback as starting guard Taylor McCabe is out for the season with an ACL injury.

As both teams are undefeated in the Big Ten, which one will continue its blemish-free run?

So, which one out of these matches are you looking forward to the most? Or is it some other clash that you're most concerned about?

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Souvik Roy