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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

With March Madness around the corner, all the teams are transforming into robust mode. More so, building up the excitement and anticipation that run parallel in fans. Several teams are eligible to be in the top 5, however, only a few can reach that point. Plus, there is only one team in women’s basketball that still stands unbeatable, and has also claimed the first place in the top 5 basketball teams of this season.

So, without further ado, let’s look at this season’s top 5 teams that seem to stand a chance for the national championship title.

No.1 South Carolina Gamecocks

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The Gamecocks have been performing remarkably well this season. It’s the only team that hasn’t been defeated in any game, and that mostly makes it the No.1 team to possibly win the national title this season. The Gamecocks bench has made significant contributions to their success. In their game against Texas A&M, the bench outscored the Aggies with a score of 45-10. They defeated Texas with a 99-64 win. Individually, the Gamecocks roster contains outstanding players.

Notably, center Kamilla Cardoso has been averaging 13.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, shooting with a field goal percentage of 61.1%. Next up is guard Te-Hina Paopao who is averaging 12.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, shooting with a field goal percentage of 54.1%. Further, it’s the guard who caught the attention of NBA legends like Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant, MiLaysia Fulwiley. This season she has been averaging 11.7 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, shooting with a field goal percentage of 48.1%.

Then it’s Ashlyn Watkins, who became the first Gamecock and also the ninth NCAA Division I women’s college basketball player to record a dunk in a game. So far she has been averaging 8.9 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, shooting with a field goal percentage of 55.6%.

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Also, the Gamecocks’ forward Sania Feagin has been a significant contributor to the team’s program-record 36 wins, which includes the perfect 16-0 record in SEC action, 7 wins over ranked teams, an SEC Tournament title, and the team’s NCAA Final Four for the third straight season.

No. 2 UConn Huskies

A wonderful team where willpower flows in abundance as the Huskies are just not giving up despite numerous players facing season-ending injuries. The Big East leaders are flourishing with wins this season with a 16-3 record. Moreover, the biggest shoutout to Paige Bueckers who is standing firmly and beating down the opponents one by one, while she is holding the fort together.

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Before her injury, she was named to the 2022 NCAA Tournament Final Four All-Tournament Team and the Most Outstanding Player of the same. Now, after spending almost 600 days in recovery, she has made a strong comeback. This season she has been averaging 20.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, along with a field goal percentage of 56.8%.

No. 3 Iowa Hawkeyes

Ranking 1st in the Big Ten, they have a conference record of 18-2, delivering some outstanding performances. Also, Caitlin Clark, with her ongoing Firebolt performances, has set the season ablaze.  She has played a major role in carrying the Hawkeyes to new heights. Giving competition to players in both men’s and women’s basketball, Clark has certainly outranked many in scoring ability.

Moreover, this season Clark has broken several records including the All-Time Scoring record, NCAA Scoring record, 30-point games record, 40-point triple-double, and Women’s Tournament Assist record. This season she has been averaging 31.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, shooting with a field goal percentage of 48.1%. A walking inspiration to many, her presence on the Hawkeyes roster makes last season’s runner-up team one of the top 5.

No. 4 Stanford Cardinals

Having a blessed time this season, the Cardinals are ranking 1st in the Pac-12 with a record of 17-2. The Cardinals roster includes strong players like Kiki Iriafen who is a 2x Pac-12 champion and 2022 Pac-12 Tournament Champion, also, she was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team. One of her notable performances includes securing Stanford its 7th straight win with a close 66-64 over Utah by scoring 25 points and 16 rebounds. She has been averaging 18.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, with a field goal shooting percentage of 54.7%.

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Next up in line is the remarkable Cameron Brink, who has been excelling in blocks with her 6-foot4 stance. Her career at Stanford has been on an outstanding ride, as she has been presented with several honors including the 2021 NCAA Champion, AP Second-team All-American, AP Third-team All-American, USBWA (2022), WBCA Coaches’ All-American (2022), Pac-12 Co-Player of the Year (2022), WBCA Defensive Player of the Year (2023), to name a few.

No. 5 Louisiana State University Tigers

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Brimming with confidence to win, the last year’s champions are moving strong with an outstanding roster. Keeping their conference record at 17-2, they are presently ranking at #2 in the SEC. Players like Angel Reese require no introduction as she is a fan favorite with her on and off-court inspiration and leadership skills. Moreover, she is one of the major reasons that LSU won its first-ever NCAA Division I national championship title.

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This season, keeping the spirits high she has been pushing on a scoring line while averaging 19.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 50.5%. A game is just as good as a well-executed teamwork of its players. Walking on this motto, Angel has kept her team locked into perfection.

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Best known for her steals and blocks is Aneesah Morrow. And, with Mikaylah Williams’ shooting skills and Hailey Van Lith’s dishing of assists, the Tigers are definitely a top 5 team.

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