South Carolina Gamecocks Fall in the Most Recent AP Women’s College Basketball Poll, Per Sports Illustrated

South Carolina Gamecocks Fall in the Most Recent AP Women’s College Basketball Poll

The South Carolina Gamecocks have long been a dominant force in women’s college basketball, routinely being ranked among the top teams in the nation. Their powerful program, led by head coach Dawn Staley, has produced some of the best players and performances in NCAA history. However, in recent weeks, the Gamecocks have faced challenges that have shaken their hold on the top spot in the Associated Press (AP) Women’s College Basketball Poll. Most notably, after a heartbreaking 66-62 loss to the Texas Longhorns on February 9, 2025, the Gamecocks found themselves slipping down in the rankings, falling from No. 2 to No. 4 in the latest poll.

This sudden drop in the rankings has raised questions about the team’s current state of play, their potential for recovery, and what this means for their championship aspirations moving forward. South Carolina’s 2024-2025 season had been nearly flawless until this defeat, but this loss has once again highlighted the unpredictability of college basketball and the fierce competition in women’s sports.

The February 9 Loss to Texas

The loss to Texas marked a significant moment in the season for the Gamecocks. Their defeat came after a 57-game Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season winning streak, which had been the longest in the league’s history. This defeat to Texas, who are currently ranked No. 5, ended the streak and marked South Carolina’s second loss of the season. The first loss occurred earlier in the season, but the recent nature of this one highlighted a number of issues that the Gamecocks have been dealing with.

Despite their strong start, this defeat exposed weaknesses in the Gamecocks’ game that had been largely masked by their previous victories. The team struggled to execute in critical moments, particularly in the closing minutes of the game, when the Longhorns pulled away with a combination of strong defense and clutch scoring. Texas, led by head coach Vic Schaefer, showcased a game plan that stymied South Carolina’s usual dominance.

This loss was especially significant as it broke their undefeated streak in the SEC, a conference known for its rigorous competition. The defeat also prompted many analysts and fans to question whether this Gamecocks team was truly the juggernaut they appeared to be or whether they were vulnerable to other top-tier programs. In college basketball, especially on the women’s side, any team can pull off an upset, but the real question is whether South Carolina can bounce back from this challenge.

What Does This Drop Mean for South Carolina?

The immediate consequence of the Gamecocks’ loss to Texas is their drop in the AP poll. From the start of the season, South Carolina had been a contender for the top spot, often jockeying with other powerhouse programs like Stanford, Iowa, and UConn for that coveted No. 1 ranking. However, this latest setback has dropped them to No. 4, which is still a strong position but suggests that the gap between them and other top teams is narrowing.

Losing to Texas wasn’t just about the drop in the AP rankings, though. It had a psychological impact, too. Teams that lose at this stage in the season face heightened scrutiny, and there’s always the risk that they may not be able to regain the momentum they once had. For the Gamecocks, this loss will likely be a motivator to refocus and improve their game, particularly in areas where they have been shown to be vulnerable. However, it also opens up questions about their consistency, especially against elite teams in high-pressure situations.

A Look Back at the Previous Championship Season

To understand what this current situation means for South Carolina, it’s helpful to look at their most recent championship season in 2022-2023. That year, the Gamecocks were dominant throughout the regular season, eventually securing the NCAA championship. Along the way, they did experience two losses during the regular season but were able to bounce back and make adjustments that propelled them to a successful postseason.

The most significant of those losses came to UConn, a program that is also a perennial powerhouse in women’s basketball. Despite that setback, South Carolina displayed the resilience and mental fortitude that they are known for under Dawn Staley. In the tournament, they went on to win the national title, demonstrating the importance of the postseason in determining the legacy of a team.

For South Carolina, the 2024-2025 season holds the potential for a similar recovery. The team is deep, talented, and led by one of the best coaches in the country. Their loss to Texas should not be viewed as a sign of the team’s decline but rather as an opportunity for the Gamecocks to address their weaknesses, refocus their efforts, and prepare for the remainder of the season.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Gamecocks

Despite the loss, South Carolina is still one of the most well-rounded teams in the country. Their defense, which has been a hallmark of the program for years, remains one of the best in the nation. The Gamecocks’ defensive prowess, led by players like Zia Cooke and Aliyah Boston, has made them a formidable opponent for anyone. Their ability to stifle opposing offenses and control the game tempo has allowed them to dominate much of the competition.

However, their offensive consistency has been questioned at times this season. In the Texas game, the Gamecocks struggled to score efficiently, especially in the second half. Their offense, which had been one of the best in the country, faltered when they needed it most. Turnovers and missed opportunities were critical factors in their inability to close out the game.

The absence of consistent shooting from outside also hurt the Gamecocks, who had relied on their inside presence for most of the season. As teams begin to scout South Carolina more thoroughly, they will look to expose this vulnerability, forcing the Gamecocks to adjust and find new ways to generate offense.

What’s Next for South Carolina?

Looking ahead, South Carolina faces a challenging schedule, particularly as they continue SEC play and move closer to the NCAA tournament. Their loss to Texas was a wake-up call, but it also served as a reminder that the Gamecocks are not invincible. This is especially true in a year where the competition is fierce, with several teams, including Stanford, Iowa, and UConn, also vying for a top spot in the rankings.

One of the most crucial aspects of South Carolina’s season moving forward will be their ability to make adjustments. Coach Dawn Staley is known for her tactical brilliance, and it’s likely that she will address the offensive struggles that were exposed in the Texas game. The Gamecocks have the talent to remain a top contender, but they will need to refine their play in key areas to make a deep tournament run.

The NCAA tournament is still several weeks away, and the Gamecocks have time to recover and prove that they are still among the elite teams in the nation. Their resilience, combined with their talent, means that they will be a force to be reckoned with, even if they’ve fallen a few spots in the rankings.

The South Carolina Gamecocks’ recent loss to Texas has certainly shaken up the landscape of women’s college basketball. Dropping to No. 4 in the AP poll is a reminder that even the best teams are vulnerable. However, this setback is not the end of the road for the Gamecocks. If anything, it’s an opportunity for them to recalibrate, address their weaknesses, and prepare for the rest of the season.

South Carolina has the talent, depth, and coaching to bounce back from this loss. Their championship aspirations are still very much alive, and with the postseason looming, they’ll need to be at their best. If they can improve offensively and find ways to maintain their defensive dominance, the Gamecocks will remain one of the top contenders for the national title. The journey is far from over, and with the right adjustments, South Carolina has what it takes to contend for another championship.