The first half of the DII women’s basketball season is nearing its end as we head towards the holiday break. Last year’s national champion and runner-up — Minnesota State and Texas Woman’s — are right there in the mix of things. There are still 12 undefeated teams and a slew of them are naturally in the top 25.
Let’s take a look at what the top 25 looks like as of the Dec. 10 WBCA poll.
DII HOOPS: RANKINGS, NEWS AND SCORES
The usual suspects
Prior to the start of the season, one of my previews focused on 13 teams to watch. Minnesota State, Ashland, Grand Valley State, Tampa, Gannon and Azusa Pacific were labeled “the usual suspects,” and considered contenders for the DII Women’s Elite Eight because of years of consistency and a bevy of returners.
So, how are they doing? Grand Valley State is the cream of the crop, sitting at 11-0 against DII competition and No. 1 in DII women’s basketball. As seemingly always, this team is predicated on a smothering defense — and its 48.9 points allowed per game is top 3 in DII. The Lakers are also scoring more than 83 points per game, considerably higher than they averaged over the previous five seasons. It is no doubt the result of all this starting experience gelling together. What’s most impressive, you ask? The Lakers…
