NCAAW: Latson’s scoring, Morrow’s rebounding and more stat leaders

Last week, the USC Trojans claimed the most significant win, while the Duke Blue Devils suffered the most disappointing loss. Here’s a look back at other memorable moments from women’s college basketball’s pre-Christmas action:

A peek at the statistical leaderboard

As the action briefly pauses for a Christmas break, it’s worth checking out the leaders in major statistical categories. Which players will maintain their nation-pacing production and analytically-impactful play? Could numbers get even bigger in the new year?

Scoring: Ta’Niya Latson (Florida State)

The Florida State junior is averaging 27.2 points per game, outpacing Notre Dame sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo (25.8) and USC sophomore guard JuJu Watkins (24.8), who rank second and third, respectively.

Rebounding: Aneesah Morrow (LSU)

At 14.0 rebounds per game, the LSU senior wing commandingly controls the boards, with a comfortable advantage over the 12.2 rebounds per game averaged by Wisconsin junior forward Serah Williams and SMU senior center Jessica Peterson.

Assists: Naudia Evans (Loyola Marymount), Katie Dinnebier (Drake)

The senior guards from Loyola Marymount and Drake both have dropped 7.3 dimes per game, edging out Kentucky grad guard Georgia Amoore’s 7.0 per game.

Steals: Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), Megan McConnell (Duquense)

The steals queen crown does not solely belong to Hidalgo, with the Notre Dame sophomore currently sharing the glory with Duquense grad guard Megan McConnell, as both are averaging 4.3 takeaways per game.

Blocks: Sedona Prince (TCU)

The TCU grad center is swatting 3.8 shots per game, leading Notre Dame freshman forward Kate Koval (3.5) and Florida State senior forward Mikayla Timpson (3.2).

3-Point Percentage: Kayba Laube (Northern Iowa)

The Northern Iowa grad guard is draining 53.9 percent of her triples, a percentage point better than Kansas State sophomore guard Taryn Sides’ 52.9 percent conversion rate from behind the arc. TCU grad guard Madison Conner, who is hitting a not-too-shabby 44.5 percent of her 3s, leads the nation with 53 made 3s.

Free Throws Made: S’Mya Nichols (Kansas)

The Kansas sophomore guard has earned the most free throws, and she’s made the most free throws, hitting a total of 106. Fairleigh Dickson senior guard Abaigeal Babore has only attempted 38 free throws, but has made all but one, giving her a sparkling 97.4 shooting percentage from the line.

Player Efficiency Rating: Khamil Pierre (Vanderbilt)

While player efficiency rating (PER) may be imperfect as an informative, all-in-one metric, it serves as useful comparative indicator that captures the impactful play of the Vanderbilt sophomore forward, Khamil Pierre (48.8). Florida State’s Latson comes in a close second (48.0).

Win Shares: Aneesah Morrow (LSU)

It seems like Morrow should be a significant part of any and all National Player of the Year conversations. She may not be flashy, but she consistently makes an impact in ways that contribute to winning, evidenced by her status as the nation’s leader in win shares (4.5), as well as the Tigers’ undefeated record. Morrow also is the national leader in defensive win shares (1.8), while FSU’s Latson claims the offensive win shares lead (3.0). Per 40 minutes, Vandy’s Pierre leads the nation (.508).

Box Plus/Minus: Sarah Strong (UConn)

Box plus/minus, which estimates how many points per 100 possessions a player contributes to her team above the national average, reflects the instant impact of the UConn freshman forward Sarah Strong (23.4). She likewise leads the nation in offensive box plus/minus (15.4). UCLA senior forward Angela Dugalic has the top defensive box plus/minus (11.5).

Points Produced: Ta’Niya Latson (Florida State)

Latson again features as an offensive force, producing an average of 25.6 points per game. She leads Notre Dame’s Hidalgo (24.0) and South Dakota senior guard Grace Larkins (23.8).

The giving and gifting of buckets

Sophomore Kierra Merchant helped Houston bury Mississippi Valley State 98-40 on Tuesday, as she went 6-for-8 from behind the arc on her way to a career-best 30 points, while also contributing five rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals and blocks.

In just 26 minutes of action on Wednesday, Kansas State super senior center Ayoka Lee delivered the kind of performance that confirms her status as a WNBA Draft prospect. She had a double-double of 34 points and 11 rebounds, shooting nearly 78 percent from the field. She also swatted three shots as K-State defeated New Mexico State, 83-39.

Grambling State grad center Lydia Freeman tallied a 25-20 game on Wednesday, scoring 25 points and grabbing 20 boards in the Lady Tigers’ 94-52 win over Arkansas Baptist. 13 of her boards were of the offensive variety!

Denver junior guard Jordan Jones had it going on, unleashing a 27-point and 10-rebound double-double in a 64-58 win over Western Colorado on Wednesday.

New 2025 tournament with NIL bonuses

South Carolina, Duke, UCLA and Texas will compete in a path-breaking three-day, round-robin tournament in Las Vegas during Thanksgiving week in 2025.

At the inaugural Players Era Women’s Championship, not only will a champion be crowned after all teams play each other in the round-robin format, but players and teams also will have the opportunity to earn at least $1 million in NIL opportunities.

South Carolina, Duke, UCLA and Texas will play in the inaugural Players Era Women’s Championship 2025. The event gives participants an opportunity to earn at least $1 million in NIL opportunities.

ESPN story: https://t.co/EVGkgnojpa

The head coaches of the participating teams expressed excitement about the tournament’s format and incentives, with South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley saying:

We’re excited to be among the first women’s teams invited to play in the Players Era Women’s Championship. This innovative event brings together everything we’re looking for — quality games early in the season, a great location for fans to come and enjoy, and NIL opportunities for our players.

Duke head coach Kara Lawson added, “The brands and the talent combined create an elite showcase of our sport. I have a lot of respect for these programs and their willingness to challenge each other.”