5. Tennessee 16-1 (4-1 SEC)
The Lady Vols will move up to the 1 line with a win tonight. With a loss, they might shift in the true rankings, but probably not.
6. Oregon 17-2 (6-0 Pac-12)
Oregon has won nine in a row and is unbeaten in an ultra-competitive Pac-12. With a win at UCLA, two over Texas A&M, and just two losses (both to 1 seeds), a 2 seed is more than appropriate.
7. South Carolina 15-3 (3-2 SEC)
Maybe I’m a little too high on the defending champs. We’ll find out. But the Gamecocks have a signature win on the road (Maryland), on a neutral floor (Rutgers), and at home (Texas A&M). Their three-game stretch in a couple weeks against Missouri, UConn, and Mississippi State will teach us a lot.
8. Texas 14-3 (5-1 Big 12)
The Longhorns showed they could beat anyone when they nearly took UConn down on Monday. That win over Florida State, though, is what helps the resume.