South Carolina Women’s Basketball Holds Strong at No. 3 in Latest AP Top 25, Riding Momentum After LSU Win
The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team continues to solidify its place among the nation’s elite, holding steady at No. 3 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll released this week.
Consistency at the Top
For another consecutive week, South Carolina remained ranked third in the AP poll behind perennial powerhouses UConn (No. 1) and UCLA (No. 2), cementing its status as one of the most consistent programs in women’s college basketball this season. (On3)
The poll — which reflects votes from national media covering women’s hoops — showed no movement in the top five, underlining how stable the elite tier of teams has been throughout the past several weeks. Duke also entered the top 10 for the first time, while SEC representation remained strong. (ESPN.com)
South Carolina’s high ranking comes on the heels of a signature 79-72 road victory over No. 6 LSU on Valentine’s Day — a game in which the Gamecocks overcame multiple LSU runs late and displayed a balanced offensive attack.
Flagship Performance and Key Metrics
That road win marked another milestone in South Carolina’s season:
- It extended South Carolina’s 18-game winning streak against LSU — a rivalry that has seen few Tigers victories in recent years. (NCAA.com)
- The Gamecocks also posted their sixth win over a top-25 opponent this season, solidifying their résumé among the nation’s best programs.
- Head coach Dawn Staley celebrated her 500th career victory, further underscoring the stability and success of the program she has built. (Yahoo Sports)
Despite both teams shooting under 43% from the field in the LSU game, South Carolina’s ability to make timely 3-pointers and dominate the free-throw line helped the Gamecocks pull away late.
National Landscape and Poll Context
The AP Top 25 poll reflects how voters see the broader landscape of women’s college basketball. UConn continues atop the rankings, maintaining a lengthy streak as the sport’s No. 1 team with a perfect record — a testament to its dynasty under Geno Auriemma. (AP News)
Behind the Huskies, South Carolina sits firmly as a top contender, ahead of other power programs like Texas and Vanderbilt. SEC teams continue to be well-represented nationally, with several squads ranked within the top 25 — highlighting the depth of one of the strongest conferences in women’s basketball history. (CBS Sports)
Why No. 3 Matters
Remaining at No. 3 in the AP poll is more than just ranking prestige for South Carolina. It reflects:
- Strength of schedule — with wins against multiple ranked opponents
- Consistency in performance — a hallmark of Staley’s tenure
- National perception and seeding influence — which can impact NCAA Tournament placement and matchups
For a program with national championship aspirations, staying near the top of the poll — and continuing to earn quality wins — helps solidify positioning as March draws closer.
Next Up for the Gamecocks
South Carolina’s schedule continues to test the team’s mettle, with upcoming SEC matchups that will further shape their postseason outlook and poll perception. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if the Gamecocks can crack the top two — or even challenge UConn — should results continue to favor them down the stretch. (ESPN.com)
Sources: On3, NCAA.com, ESPN.com, CBS Sport, AP News
