Two Legends, One Number—A Historic Day for No. 2️⃣2️⃣

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What To Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. A Good Day to Be No. 22 2️⃣2️⃣

On Sunday, 2/2/25, two of college basketball’s greatest stars had their No. 22 jerseys retired at their alma maters. A’ja Wilson, the 2024 WNBA MVP, was honored in a pregame ceremony at the University of South Carolina. Caitlin Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, was celebrated postgame at Iowa, following the Hawkeyes’ upset win over No. 4 USC. (Reuters)

WHY IT MATTERS: Colleges and universities have long raised banners to honor their top male athletes. But now, more programs are giving female athletes the recognition they deserve.

Wilson and Clark were each the best college athletes of their time, but they also elevated their programs, drove record-breaking fan engagement, and helped grow the game. Their jersey retirements mark a shift toward honoring the impact of women’s basketball stars, both in competition and culture.

2. Iowa Stuns No. 4 USC in Major Upset 😲

On the day of Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement and in front of a sellout home crowd, unranked Iowa delivered a statement win, upsetting JuJu Watkins and her No. 4 USC 76-69. The Hawkeyes jumped out to a dominant 18-4 first-quarter lead, but USC stormed back to take a one-point advantage at halftime. In the end, Lucy Olsen and Iowa stepped up defensively and wouldn’t be denied. (Yahoo Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: This loss snaps USC’s 15-game winning streak and marks their first Big Ten conference defeat, and only their second loss all season. Olsen led Iowa with 28 points, proving that rankings don’t dictate outcomes, and this is still very much an open field.

3. Hannah Hidalgo Joins Notre Dame’s Record Books 📕

Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo has etched her name alongside Jewell Loyd in program history. She became just the second Fighting Irish player in the past 15 years, after Loyd, to record back-to-back 30-point games. (ClutchPoints)

•  🔥 30 points in a win vs. Virginia Tech (Thursday)

• 🔥 34 points in a win vs. Louisville (Sunday, 2/2)

WHY IT MATTERS: Hidalgo is making a serious case for National Player of the Year. While much of the spotlight is on Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins, the Notre Dame sophomore continues to put up elite numbers while leading her team to wins. She’s averaging 25.6 points per game while shooting an efficient 50% from the field and 43% from three. She’s not just in the conversation, she’s demanding attention.