The latest AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll, released on January 6, 2025, maintains the South Carolina Gamecocks at the No. 2 position for the fourth consecutive week. The Gamecocks, boasting a 14-1 record, trail only the undefeated UCLA Bruins, who hold the top spot with a 15-0 record.
South Carolina’s recent performances have been impressive, particularly as they commenced SEC play. On January 2, they secured a commanding 83-52 victory over Missouri, followed by a decisive 95-68 win against Mississippi State on January 5. These victories have reinforced their status as a dominant force in women’s college basketball.
𝑷𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕ed it garnet yesterday 😤 pic.twitter.com/SNWrI0gOOO
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) January 6, 2025
The top eight teams in the AP poll remain unchanged this week, reflecting a period of stability among the nation’s elite programs. The rankings are as follows:
1. UCLA (15-0)
2. South Carolina (14-1)
3. Notre Dame (12-2)
4. USC (14-1)
5. Texas (15-1)
6. LSU (17-0)
7. UConn (13-2)
8. Maryland (14-0)
Notably, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten each have four teams ranked within the top ten, underscoring the competitive depth of these conferences.
South Carolina’s sustained excellence is further highlighted by their recent conference achievements. The Gamecocks have achieved a perfect 16-0 record in SEC play over the past two seasons, a testament to their dominance under Coach Dawn Staley’s leadership.
As the season progresses, the Gamecocks will aim to maintain their high level of play, with upcoming matchups that could influence their standing in both the SEC and national rankings. Their next game is scheduled against Texas A&M on January 9, 2025.