Despite losses, South Carolina and UConn maintain their top spots in the most recent NCAAW NET rankings.

South Carolina and UConn: Titans of NCAA Women’s Basketball

The landscape of NCAA Women’s Basketball in 2025 continues to be dominated by two of the most prestigious programs: the University of South Carolina and the University of Connecticut (UConn). Both teams, despite experiencing some setbacks in their respective seasons, have maintained their top spots in the NCAA Women’s Basketball NET rankings.

The Importance of the NET Rankings

The NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings are crucial for determining team seeding for the NCAA Tournament. The rankings are based on several key factors such as game results, strength of schedule, location of games, and scoring margin, among others. Unlike other rankings that focus heavily on win-loss records, the NET rankings aim to evaluate teams more holistically, providing a metric that accounts for the quality of victories and the strength of opponents.

This evaluation tool was introduced in 2018, replacing the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), and it has since become the most important ranking system used for NCAA tournament selection. The NET rankings serve as a more transparent and comprehensive method for assessing teams, particularly when it comes to seeding for the tournament.

South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina has been the standard-bearer for NCAA Women’s Basketball over the last decade. With a powerful roster, a dynamic coaching staff led by Dawn Staley, and an unmatched defensive system, the Gamecocks have built a program that is consistently among the elite in the country. Despite suffering a 66-62 loss to Texas on February 6, 2025, which snapped their 57-game SEC regular-season winning streak, they remain the top-ranked team in the NET rankings.

Season Overview and Key Players

With a 22-2 record, South Carolina has showcased a remarkable blend of athleticism, experience, and tactical depth. Players like Zia Cooke, Aliyah Boston, and Laeticia Amihere have been key contributors to the team’s success.

• Aliyah Boston, a standout post player, is often regarded as one of the best players in the nation. Her ability to dominate the paint on both ends of the floor has been critical to South Carolina’s success. Boston’s rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring make her a multifaceted threat that opposing teams struggle to contain.
• Zia Cooke, a dynamic guard, has been the team’s primary offensive weapon. Her scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, has been a huge asset for the Gamecocks. She can stretch the floor, drive to the basket, and make plays for her teammates. Cooke’s leadership on the court and her ability to perform under pressure have been key to the team’s resilience, especially during the game against Texas where she led the Gamecocks with 20 points.
• Laeticia Amihere, another powerful presence on both sides of the ball, contributes heavily in terms of defense, rebounding, and finishing around the rim. Her versatility adds depth to the Gamecocks, allowing them to match up well with different types of teams.

The Texas Loss and Its Impact

Despite their incredible run, South Carolina’s loss to Texas demonstrated that even the best teams can have off nights. The Longhorns managed to outpace the Gamecocks, thanks to a solid defensive performance and timely shots. However, while the loss was disappointing, it didn’t significantly affect South Carolina’s position at the top of the NET rankings. The Gamecocks have consistently defeated high-ranked teams, which helps buffer their position despite a few losses.

UConn Huskies

UConn, led by the legendary Geno Auriemma, is another powerhouse that has built a dynasty in women’s college basketball. Despite experiencing a few setbacks during the season, including a tight 80-76 loss to Tennessee, UConn has remained a consistent force in NCAA women’s hoops, sitting firmly in second place in the NET rankings.

Season Overview and Key Players

UConn, with a 22-3 record, is also led by some of the most talented players in the country, including Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards. These two have been at the forefront of the Huskies’ success.

• Paige Bueckers, one of the most highly regarded players in women’s college basketball, has continued to deliver exceptional performances this season. Known for her incredible playmaking ability, Bueckers is a scoring machine and a creator who makes everyone around her better. Her vision, passing, and basketball IQ allow UConn to thrive even when facing high-level competition. Her leadership on and off the court makes her one of the most important players for the Huskies.
• Aaliyah Edwards has developed into one of the most dominant post players in the nation. A versatile big, Edwards’ ability to score in the paint and on the perimeter makes her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Edwards’ tenacity on both ends of the floor makes her a key part of UConn’s success.
• Azzi Fudd is another important player who has been critical to the Huskies’ offensive schemes. Known for her sharpshooting ability, Fudd is one of the best perimeter shooters in the country and can take over games with her scoring.

The Tennessee Loss and Its Impact

Despite the loss to Tennessee, UConn remains firmly entrenched in the top ranks of the NET. The game against the Volunteers was a close affair, and although UConn fell short, their overall season performance continues to impress. The Huskies’ consistent ability to win against strong opponents throughout the season, combined with their deep roster and talented coaching staff, ensures that their position in the NET remains stable.

Why These Teams Remain at the Top

The reason South Carolina and UConn continue to hold their positions at the top of the NET rankings despite recent losses comes down to their overall body of work throughout the season. While one loss can certainly affect rankings, the NET places greater weight on factors like strength of schedule, road wins, and overall performance across multiple metrics.

Both teams have had strong, quality wins against high-ranked opponents. For example, South Carolina has victories over other top-tier teams like LSU, Kentucky, and Mississippi State. UConn, on the other hand, has dominated in key matchups against programs like Stanford and Louisville.

Moreover, both teams have maintained an impressive level of consistency. Even when they’ve faced adversity or had a loss, their ability to bounce back and win crucial games has reinforced their top rankings.

Looking Ahead: March Madness and Seeding Implications

As the season progresses into March, both South Carolina and UConn will be looking to secure strong seeds for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. While the NET rankings are important for seeding, other factors will also come into play, such as conference tournament results and any potential injuries to key players.

The two teams will likely meet in March for the SEC and Big East tournaments, respectively, where the stakes will be higher, and every game will be an opportunity for both to solidify their place as the top seed heading into the NCAA Tournament.

The upcoming game between South Carolina and UConn, scheduled for February 16, 2025, will be a critical matchup for both teams. It’s a game that could shape the final rankings and provide a clear indication of which team will enter March Madness with the momentum to go all the way. The game is also important for those who follow the women’s game and want to see two of the best teams in the country square off on a national stage.

In conclusion, despite suffering losses, both South Carolina and UConn have proven to be resilient teams that maintain their positions at the top of the NCAA Women’s Basketball NET rankings. Their consistent performances throughout the season, combined with strong rosters and seasoned coaching staffs, have allowed them to overcome setbacks and remain the favorites to win the NCAA Championship.

As the season moves toward the NCAA Tournament, these two programs will continue to be the measuring sticks for excellence in women’s college basketball. Whether it’s South Carolina’s suffocating defense or UConn’s offensive firepower, both teams have established themselves as the dominant forces in the sport, and they are undoubtedly the teams to watch as March Madness approaches.