Lions Move Up to No. 21 in Latest CollegeInsider Mid-Major Top 25

BOSTON, MA - Loyola Marymount women's basketball continues their historic rise on the national stage, moving up to No. 21 in the latest CollegeInsider.com Women's Mid-Major Top 25, released Tuesday. The Lions climb one spot from last week's No. 22 ranking as their record-setting season continues to gain national recognition.

LMU's ascent in the rankings reflects a season filled with milestones. Under WCC Coach of the Year Aarika Hughes, the Lions captured the 2025-26 West Coast Conference regular-season championship outright, finishing league play 15-3, the best conference record in program history. The title marks LMU's first regular-season crown since the 2003-04 season, cementing one of the most successful campaigns the program has ever seen.

The Lions have also continued to build on the momentum that first propelled them into the national rankings earlier this year. LMU initially entered the Mid-Major Top 25 at No. 24 and climbed to No. 22 last week, reflecting a steady rise as the team delivered key conference wins and established itself among the nation's top mid-major programs.

Throughout the season, LMU has rewritten multiple sections of the program record book. The Lions' 15 conference victories surpassed the previous program mark, while their nine-game win streak marked the program's longest since the championship run of 2003-04. LMU also snapped a 35-game losing streak against Gonzaga earlier this season, a defining moment that helped propel the Lions into national conversation and solidify their position among the West Coast Conference's elite.

Picked ninth in the WCC preseason coaches poll, LMU has exceeded expectations behind a balanced lineup, disciplined defense, and a strong team culture built around resilience and trust. The Lions have combined opportunistic defense with efficient offense throughout the year, positioning themselves as one of the most dangerous mid-major teams heading into postseason play.

With the postseason approaching, LMU's continued presence in the national rankings reflects a season defined by growth, belief, and historic achievement - and signals that the Lions' remarkable run may still have more chapters left to write.

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