South Carolina Drops in AP Top 25 After Loss to Texas
Basketball season is in full swing, and the South Carolina Gamecocks are navigating a challenging path. The women’s college basketball team entered the 2024-25 season after an impressive 38-0 record last year, concluding with a victory over Iowa in the NCAA championship game. However, their recent performance indicates that there is still much development needed.
Gamecocks’ Early Season Ups and Downs
Sparked by five consecutive wins at the start of the season, the Gamecocks faced a setback when they lost to the UCLA Bruins. This defeat highlighted the need for improvement, given their previous undefeated run. Following this loss, South Carolina managed to reach the NCAA championship game again in 2025, only to fall to the UConn Huskies.
South Carolina’s Setback Against Texas
On November 27, the Gamecocks suffered a narrow 66-64 loss to the Texas Longhorns. While the defeat was disappointing, fans should remember that early-season losses occur, particularly against strong opponents. Head Coach Dawn Staley has plenty of time to address the challenges facing the team and aim for future victories.
AP Rankings Update
The result of their confrontation with Texas triggered a shift in the AP Top 25 Women’s Basketball Rankings, released on December 1. South Carolina fell from No. 2 to No. 3 in the standings, a significant development considering their previous position. Meanwhile, Texas ascended from No. 4 to No. 2 after their victories over both South Carolina and UCLA.
Current AP Top 10 Rankings
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | UConn |
| 2 | Texas |
| 3 | South Carolina |
| 4 | UCLA |
| 5 | LSU |
| 6 | Michigan |
| 7 | Maryland |
| 8 | TCU |
| 9 | Oklahoma |
| 10 | Iowa State |
Upcoming Matches and Expectations
The Gamecocks are set to face the No. 22-ranked Louisville Cardinals on December 4. Following this encounter, they will have a series of less challenging games throughout December. SEC Conference play will commence against Alabama on January 1, marking a critical juncture for Staley’s team as they look to bounce back.
