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Texas Upsets South Carolina: Impact on AP Top 25 Rankings

ByCoach

The latest AP Women’s College Basketball Poll has brought significant changes. Thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes have shaken up the rankings.

The most notable game was the top-5 showdown between Texas and South Carolina. In the end, the Longhorns triumphed, ending the Gamecocks’ 57-game SEC regular-season winning streak. This blog post delves into the latest rankings, key statistics, and upcoming matches that are set to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Texas Triumphs Over South Carolina

In a game that lived up to the hype, Texas defeated South Carolina 66-62. This victory was particularly sweet for the Longhorns, who had been overwhelmed by 17 points in their first meeting last month.

Texas never trailed in the rematch, although South Carolina stayed within 5 points over the last 15 minutes. This win handed South Carolina their first regular-season SEC loss in 57 games.

What This Means for the Rankings

The victory for Texas has significant implications for the AP Top 25. Texas, previously ranked 4th, showcased their resilience and strategic prowess by winning a top-5 matchup without making a single 3-pointer.

This feat was last achieved by UConn in the 2002 national championship game.

UCLA’s Unbeaten Streak

UCLA continues to dominate, maintaining their No. 1 spot with a 23-0 record. Despite a season-low 62 points against Oregon, they posted their 23rd straight win.

This is the longest active win streak in Division I and the longest to open a season in program history.

Upcoming Challenges

UCLA faces a tough schedule ahead, with a highly anticipated match against No. 6 USC on Thursday. This game is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to assert their dominance.

Notre Dame’s Dominance

Notre Dame, currently ranked 3rd, has been in exceptional form. They won their past two games against Clemson and Cal by a combined 88 points.

This marks the first time the Irish have won back-to-back games by 35 or more points since early 2019.

Key Statistics

Notre Dame’s recent performances have been bolstered by their ability to maintain a high level of play across all quarters. They will face Pittsburgh next, a game that promises to be another display of their offensive and defensive capabilities.

South Carolina’s Setback

South Carolina, previously ranked 2nd, now holds a 22-2 record after their loss to Texas. Interestingly, in both of their losses this season, the Gamecocks did not hold a single lead.

This is a scenario they hadn’t faced since the 2019 Sweet 16 against Baylor.

Upcoming Matches

South Carolina will look to bounce back in their upcoming game against Florida. This match will be crucial for the Gamecocks to regain their momentum and secure their position in the top rankings.

Other Noteworthy Performances

Several other teams have shown remarkable performances and are worth noting:

  • USC: With a 25-1 record, USC’s Kailyn Gilbert scored 15 of her game-high 23 points in the third quarter against Tennessee. They will face No. 3 Texas next.
  • UConn: Despite their recent loss to Tennessee, UConn remains a formidable team with a 22-3 record. They will look to rebound against St. John’s.
  • Kentucky: Kentucky is second in the country with 6.7 blocks per game, led by sophomore Clara Strack. They will face Ole Miss next.

Teams on the Rise

Creighton and Baylor have made their way into the rankings, replacing California and Vanderbilt. Creighton boasts a 20-4 record, with their only losses coming to UCLA and UConn. Baylor, with a 20-5 record, has won four straight games by an average of 26.8 points since their losses to UCLA and TCU.

Conclusion

The latest AP Women’s College Basketball Poll highlights the dynamic nature of the sport. Teams like Texas and UCLA are making significant strides.

As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes. For a detailed breakdown of the new rankings and upcoming matches, visit the AP Top 25 Teams Week 14 article on ESPN.

Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analyses as we continue to cover the exciting world of women’s college basketball.

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