Five takeaways from AP Top 25 women's basketball poll

In this week's Associated Press Top 25 women's college basketball poll, released on Monday, one program continues to put some pressure on UConn for the top spot. Here are five takeaways from the poll.

Texas lurks close behind UConn for top spot

There is no denying how dominant the Huskies (10-0) have looked so far this season, but if there is any team that has come close to matching them, it is the second-ranked Texas Longhorns (12-0).

With forward Madison Booker's 27 points leading the way, Texas forced 30 turnovers in a defensive masterclass against then-No. 13 Baylor on Sunday as it continues to flex its muscle with five ranked wins to its credit. As the only team receiving first-place votes (8) besides UConn (24), the Longhorns are clearly earning some respect after their latest signature win.

Iowa State remains at No. 10 after another dominant performance from Audi Crooks

The Cyclones (12-0) stay at No. 10 in the poll, but after the latest dominant performance from center Audi Crooks in Iowa State's huge 74-69 rivalry win over then-No. 11 Iowa, it is hard to ignore how impressive she has been.

Crooks, the nation's leading scorer (27.8 PPG) and most efficient shooter (72.2%), had her fifth 30-point, 10-rebound game in the win as her unprecedented pace continues. Iowa State's non-conference schedule has been fairly straightforward, but Crooks has it positioned for success when the difficulty increases.

Kentucky, Ole Miss each move up three spots

The Wildcats (11-1), up three spots to No. 12, are coming off a 77-69 win over Belmont on Sunday behind a balanced scoring attack from forward Amelia Hassett (19 points, 10 rebounds), center Clara Strack (18 points, eight rebounds) and guards Tonie Morgan (18 points, nine assists) and Jordan Obi (13 points, 10 rebounds).

The Rebels (10-1), up three spots to No. 14, put together back-to-back blowout wins over Wofford and South Carolina State to respond to their first loss of the season, a 61-60 setback to Kansas State, on Dec. 7. Forwards Cotie McMahon (18.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.2 APG) and Christeen Iwuala (15.9 PPG, 8.9 RPG) have been key to Ole Miss' success as the only two players averaging double-figure scoring on the team.

Louisville rises; USC falls

The Cardinals (10-3) experienced the biggest move in this week's rankings, climbing six spots to No. 16 after picking up a 76-66 win over then-No. 12 North Carolina (9-3), which drops six spots to No. 18 following the loss. Louisville outscored North Carolina 10-0 in overtime and finally picked up a ranked win after losing each of its previous three this season.

The Trojans (7-3) fall three spots to No. 19 after their 19-game home win streak was snapped in a 79-51 loss to top-ranked UConn on Saturday. USC had more turnovers (20) than made shots (16) in that game, a major area of concern for a team that has struggled scoring all season.

Princeton joins the rankings

The Tigers (10-1) are the only newcomer to this week's poll at No. 25. Princeton has won eight in a row since its lone defeat of the season, 84-68, to then-No. 9 Maryland on Nov. 16. Led by senior guard Madison St. Rose (16.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG), the Tigers have five players scoring in double-figures and six of their 10 wins have come against power conference opponents.