Women's college basketball Power Rankings: TCU surges to the top of a crowded Big 12 conference race
CBS Sports
by
Isabel Gonzalez
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
TCU has surged to No. 11 in the CBS Sports women's college basketball power rankings after a strong week that included key victories over Baylor and West Virginia. The Horned Frogs' three-game winning streak has given them a one-game lead in the crowded Big 12 conference standings with just three regular-season games remaining. Meanwhile, Baylor dropped seven spots following an 87-56 loss to Texas Tech, highlighting their struggles against ranked opponents this season. Despite being tied for second place in the conference, the Bears' inability to perform against top-tier teams has hindered their momentum.
The article also highlights Duke's remarkable turnaround under head coach Kara Lawson, who has guided the team from a shaky start to a 16-game winning streak and an ascent to No. 8 in the rankings. Minnesota, on the other hand, continues to rise with a nine-game winning streak and a projected NCAA Tournament seeding as a No. 5 seed— their best position since 2005. The Gophers' success comes after defeating Ohio State, further solidifying their place among the top teams.
Elsewhere in the rankings, UConn remains No. 1, while UCLA holds steady at No. 2. South Carolina has
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/19/2026