List of top women's college basketball games before the New Year includes NCAA finals rematch

Before the onset of March Madness, women's college basketball consistently delivers thrilling matchups. Among the most anticipated early season games is a November 24 rematch between preseason No. 1 South Carolina and second-ranked UConn, following their Final Four clash last season. Their tense handshake exchange after last year's game saw UConn coach Geno Auriemma confront South Carolina's Dawn Staley.

However, the two coaches have since mended their relationship publicly. This rematch at Mohegan Sun two days before Thanksgiving is expected to draw significant attention, especially to the pregame and postgame handshakes.

Another notable nonconference game takes place on November 2, where No. 1 South Carolina faces off against No. 20 Maryland, and No. 12 North Carolina battles against No. 21 Oklahoma. In Paris, four ranked teams clash in a doubleheader just a day after the men's and women's basketball doubleheader in Rome. This marks the fourth consecutive year a women's game will be played in Paris and the second time the Gamecocks will participate.

South Carolina is set to host No. 3 Southern California on November 15. Fresh off her AP Player of the Year win as a sophomore after recovering from an ACL tear during the NCAA Tournament, JuJu Watkins is eager to make her mark again. On November 28, No. 2 UConn meets No. 4 Duke in Boston, where Duke coach Kara Lawson previously served as an assistant for the NBA's Celtics before taking over the Blue Devils. UConn holds an 11-game lead over Duke in their head-to-head matchups.

Notre Dame hosts No. 8 Vanderbilt on December 3, marking a rematch of their Sweet 16 encounter last season, which Notre Dame won 67-64. Hannah Hidalgo, a key player for the Fighting Irish, had an exceptional game, recording 31 points, 11 rebounds, 10 steals, and seven assists. The Players Era Tournament in Las Vegas on December 19-20 features several high-profile matchups.

On the first night, UCLA faces South Carolina in a national championship rematch, while Texas takes on Duke, and Notre Dame squares off against USC. On the second night, Texas takes on UCLA, while Notre Dame faces South Carolina, and Duke meets USC in two other games.