It’s certainly early, still, for Illinois women’s basketball fans to think about March. But for a program besieged with distractions this past offseason — allegations of a racially hostile environment, seven players transferring and a $10 million lawsuit, among other items — the play on the court the first month has garnered national recognition. The latest RPI rankings released by the NCAA on Monday have Matt Bollant’s team in the top 10:
RANK, TEAM PREV. W-L NCAA TOURNAMENT PEDIGREE
1. Connecticut 1 8-0 Three-time defending national champion is in prime position to claim program’s 11th title.