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, a new-look top 10 takes shape after a chaotic start to conference play. Here are five takeaways from the poll.

Kentucky surges into top 10 after unbeaten start to SEC play

The Wildcats (15-1) move up five spots to No. 6 after winning their first two conference games, notably an 80-78 upset over previously undefeated LSU on senior guard Tonie Morgan's game-winning triple at the end of regulation.

Kentucky's success this season has stemmed from its stout defense, which is tied for the third-fewest points allowed (52.1 PPG). The 78 points given up to LSU were nowhere near that, but considering the Tigers had scored at least 100 points 11 times entering the game, that was a huge win for the Kentucky defense and one of the reasons the Wildcats are ranked so highly.

Oklahoma, Vanderbilt move up 

The Sooners (14-1), up three spots to No. 5, achieve their highest ranking since 2009 after a pair of blowout wins to begin SEC play. Oklahoma has won 13 games in a row, largely due to its second-ranked offense (94.5 PPG) and the balanced scoring of freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez (18.9 PPG) and senior center Raegan Beers (17.4 PPG, 10.8 RPG).

The Commodores (15-0) climb five spots to No. 7 and are ranked inside the top 10 for the first time since 2007 after picking up a 65-61 win over then-No. 5 LSU, securing its first victory over a top-five team in 17 years. A lot of that success has been due to the sensational play from sophomore guard Mikayla Blakes, who had 32 points (10-of-25 FG) in the upset win.

Michigan, TCU drop after suffering setbacks

Poor shooting contributed to a 64-52 Michigan loss to Washington on New Year's Day, dropping the Wolverines (11-2) three spots to No. 9 in this week's poll. Michigan has scored at least 81 points in its 11 wins, but has been held to 69 points or fewer in the two losses and shot 36 percent or worse in both defeats.

The Horned Frogs (14-1) suffered their first loss of the season in Saturday's 87-77 overtime defeat to Utah, dropping them five spots to No. 13. Senior guard Olivia Miles, who accomplished a rare feat alongside teammate Marta Suarez earlier this season, had a team-high 31 points. However, that was not enough to overcome Utah's 13 made threes.

Michigan State, Baylor make big strides after signature wins

The Spartans (14-1) move up nine spots to No. 15 after snapping Illinois' 11-game winning streak in Sunday's 81-75 triumph. Michigan State dominated points in the paint, 42-22, led by as many as 15 and knocked down 21 of its 25 free-throw attempts, which were crucial in a tightly contested game.

The Bears (13-3) rise six spots to No. 16 after handing then-No. 10 Iowa State its first loss of the season on Sunday. Sophomore guard Taliah Scott shined once again, leading Baylor with 21 points and hitting the game-winner with 2.9 seconds remaining.

Washington returns to the poll at No. 23

With Notre Dame seeing its streak of 85 consecutive appearances in the poll end, that paved the way for the Huskies (12-2) to rejoin the rankings. While the 23 turnovers were an issue in the upset win over the Wolverines, a strong defensive showing and a double-double from sophomore guard Avery Howell (22 points, 16 rebounds) made up for them.