of Women’s Final Four This spring, the American Airlines Center will have a special showcase.
In honor of Title IX’s 50th anniversary, all NCAA Division I, II and III championship games will be played in Dallas. Don’t expect Texas schools to add to AAC’s Lone Star State special legacy – at least in Division I.
For the first time in our 47-year history, Associated Press Women’s Basketball Poll No Texas team appeared on Monday. Since early 1976, Texas has been a polling presence. Weiland Baptiste, Stephen F. Austin, Baylor First appearance in the ranking.
But no Texas school ranked in the top 25 in the latest poll. texas (14-6, 5-2, Big 12) came second in the votes and was the only public school whose name appeared on the ballot.
What’s going on here with the names of Jodie Conrad, Marsha Sharpe and Gary Blair? may be limited to contiguous states such as Kim Malkeyor No.14 Oklahomaleader of the Big 12.
As a state, Texas certainly has a pipeline of traditions and talent.
Philadelphia sportswriter Mel Greenberg, who started polling women in 1976-77, said, “Texas was an oil state, and women’s basketball was certainly rich.
Texas has back-to-back appearances in the Elite Eight and was ranked No. 3 to start the season under Vic Schaefer. Then all-around point guard Lori Harmon missed five games with a toe injury, while sophomore forward Aaliyah Moore ended the season with a knee injury. Oregon transfer Taylor has limited his Jones to 11 games.
Still, the Longhorns are ranked second in the Big 12, one game behind Oklahoma, and could be contenders for March Madness.
Baylor saw his streak of AP Poll appearances end at 365 earlier this month.
The Bears have struggled with inconsistency under second-year coach Nicky Collin, who replaced Markey. Baylor (13-6) was good enough to pass No. 14 Oklahoma one of two road losses. However, he has lost three of his last four games. The recent home loss to Texas is a good example. The Bears held Texas to his 24 points in the first half, and in the third quarter alone he lost 28 points.
A&M was a consistent top 25 team until Blair’s last season before he retired, winning the 2011 NCAA title.
First-year coach Joni Taylor has been forced to deal with an injury-depleted roster. Midway through a 6-12 start (1-7 SEC), the Aggies are down to seven players in seven games. I was forced to use only
In a potential sign of better things, freshman forward Janiah Barker returned from a broken wrist and scored 24 points in a 75-73 win over Georgia on Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
twitter: @ChuckCarltonDMN
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