The incredible efficiency of Audi Crooks headlines early-season women’s college basketball trends to watch

On Saturday afternoon in Detroit, No. 14 Michigan halted the Hannah Hidalgo Show, sending the do-it-all junior guard and No. 18 Notre Dame to a historic 93-54 defeat.

It was the Wolverines’ biggest win over a ranked opponent in program history, and, conversely, the biggest loss to ranked team in program history for the Irish.

While still logging 38 minutes, Hidalgo was held to 12 points, racking up as many turnovers (seven) as combined assists and steals (seven total). The Wolverines’ sophomore trio of Olivia Olson, Syla Swords and Mila Holloway kept up their production, combining for 43 points, 22 rebounds and 10 assists.

In short, Michigan’s massacre of Notre Dame both upended and extended some early-season trends. With a dozen ranked team in action on Sunday, it will be a day for more data gathering, with stats and results that likewise will disrupt or confirm other early trends. Here are three significant things to monitor:

1. Is UConn in a class of their own?

Just three games into the defense of their 2025 national title, No. 1 UConn already is generating talk of an undefeated and championship-repeat season, as the Huskies have collected three victories with ease.

Sunday in Hartford ( 12 p.m. ET, Peacock) presents their “toughest” test yet in an Ohio State team that received votes in the most recent AP poll. Yet, it still would be shocking if this retooled and rather inexperienced Buckeye team gave the champs much trouble.

Through three games, Sarah Strong has been just as excellent as imagined, as the sophomore forward leads the Huskies in scoring (17.7), rebounds (7.3), assists (4.3) and blocks (2.3). Azzi Fudd is shooting over 40 percent from 3, while showing off other facets of her game during her final collegiate season. In her fifth year, Fudd is averaging career bests in steals (2.7) and assists (3.7).

Keep going down the roster, and nearly every Husky is producing in better-than-before ways. Junior guard KK Arnold is shooting more efficiently than ever (60 percent). Sophomore guard and USC transfer Kaleigh Heckel is leading the team in steals (3.3). Senior forward and Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams is owning the offensive glass (3.3). And while her 3s have yet to fall, junior guard Ashlynn Shade is making an impact on the boards as well (4.3).

Thus far, no team appears able to match the balance, execution and cohesion of head coach Geno Auriemma’s trusted top six. But maybe aforementioned Michigan can make UConn look mortal? The Wolverines will take on the Huskies at the Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday, Nov. 21.

2. Will TCU’s offense keep cooking?

No. 17 TCU rang up 122 points in their most-recent trouncing of Tennessee State, giving the team a scoring average of nearly 100 points through their first three games of the season. Scintillating shooting from all over the floor—with the Horned Frogs shooting 45.2 percent on almost 13 3s per game and 61.6 percent on all 2-pointers—has powered TCU’s thus far overwhelming offense.

A trip to Raleigh to take on No. 10 NC State on Sunday afternoon (1 p.m. ET, ESPN) will test the resiliency of TCU’s high-powered attack. Can the Horned Frogs maintain their offensive potency against a Power Four opponent?

If the Frogs put up points on the Pack, look for Olivia Miles to be a big reason why. The senior guard’s move to TCU has been seamless, as she’s averaging career highs in points (18.3) and assists (8.7) since putting on purple and white. Her growth as 3-point shooter also appears to be real, as she is following up last season’s better than 40 percent performance with a 45.5 percent mark from deep to start the season.

3. Will efficient Audi add to her NPOY case?

After beginning the season with games of 20, 29 and 21 points, Audi Crooks exploded for 43 points—in just 20 minutes—in No. 16 Iowa State’s latest rout of Valparasio. The 6-foot-3 junior center was 18-for-23 from the field, boosting her overall field goal percentage to 73 percent, which would be a career best. She’s also cruising to a career-high 28.3 points per game.

She’s an offensive force until herself, equipped with an arsenal of around-the-basket acrobatics that makes her scoring appear effortless. Against Norfolk State on Sunday in Ames (2 p.m. ET, ESPN+), expect more of the same.

If Crooks’ combination of efficiency and production continues apace, even as the Cyclones’ schedule eventually stiffens, she better be in the center of National Player of the Year conversations.