Week 12 of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Women’s Major Division Top 5 rankings featured one new addition, with minimal movement among the remaining four programs. As postseason play wraps up across multiple tournaments, each team’s final impression played a role in shaping this week’s poll.
5. Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (20–15, 11–3)
The Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks enter the rankings at No. 5 after being unranked a week ago. UMES caps off a historic season despite a 61–42 loss to Youngstown State Penguins in the second round of the WNIT.
While the loss ends their postseason run, the Hawks’ late surge and postseason victory were enough to earn them a spot in the final rankings.
4. Norfolk State Spartans (18–15, 11–3)
The Norfolk State Spartans drop one spot from No. 3 to No. 4 this week. Like UMES, the Spartans earned a WNIT berth but were unable to advance, falling 58–54 to Loyola Chicago Ramblers in a tightly contested first-round matchup.
Despite the early exit, Norfolk State remained competitive on a national stage.
3. Southern Jaguars (20–14, 12–6)
The Southern Jaguars move up to No. 3 following another postseason appearance. Southern secured its second consecutive First Four victory with a 65–53 win over Samford Bulldogs.
That win, however, set up a daunting matchup with No. 1 overall seed South Carolina Gamecocks, who overwhelmed the Jaguars 103–34. Even so, back-to-back First Four wins signal continued growth for the program.
2. Alabama A&M Bulldogs (22–11, 17–1)
The Alabama A&M Bulldogs slide one spot to No. 2. The Bulldogs’ season concluded with a 72–47 loss to BYU Cougars in the opening round of the WBIT.
Despite the setback, Alabama A&M’s dominant conference run keeps them near the top of the rankings.
1. Howard Bison (26–8, 12–1)
The Howard Bison claim the No. 1 spot in Week 12. Howard earned a No. 14 seed in the NCAA Tournament but saw its season end with a 75–54 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Even in defeat, the Bison’s strong regular season and NCAA Tournament appearance solidified their position atop the final rankings.
Closing Thought
With postseason play complete, this week’s rankings reflect not just wins and losses, but overall body of work. Programs like Howard and Alabama A&M set the standard, while emerging teams like UMES show the depth and upward trajectory of HBCU women’s basketball.Week 12 of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Women’s Major Division Top 5 rankings featured one new addition, with minimal movement among the remaining four programs. As postseason play wraps up across multiple tournaments, each team’s final impression played a role in shaping this week’s poll.
Dropping Out:
Alabama State Hornets ( 17-15, 12-6)
Receiving Votes :
Alcorn State Braves (17-14, 14-4) -34
Alabama State Hornets ( 17-15, 12-6) -32
UAPB Golden Lions ( 15-16, 10-8) -18
Jackson State Tigers ( 12-19, 10-8) -16
Grambling State Tigers ( 13-19, 10-8) -14
