UCLA Takes No. 1 Spot After Defeating South Carolina
Los Angeles – In a surprising turn of events, the UCLA Bruins have claimed the No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll following a decisive 77-62 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday. This win marked the first loss for South Carolina in over a year and ended their impressive 43-game winning streak.
Who and What Happened?
The game not only ended South Carolina’s dominance but also made history for UCLA, which had previously held an 0-20 record against top-ranked teams. The win was celebrated by a lively crowd that included numerous alumni, adding to the moment’s significance. UCLA coach Cori Close commented on the achievement, stating, “We’re doing something for the first time in school history and we shared it with decades of alum.” With this victory, UCLA is now the 26th team in women’s college basketball history to hold the top spot in the rankings since the survey began in 1976.
Where and When Did This Take Place?
The matchup took place in Los Angeles, a location filled with excitement from local fans. The victory for UCLA was even sweeter as it came in front of a star-studded crowd, amplifying the historic nature of the event. The game occurred on Sunday, sending ripples through the sports community as it impacted the national rankings released the following Monday.
Why Is This Significant?
This victory is particularly noteworthy as it halts a remarkable period for South Carolina. Previously, the Gamecocks had been a dominant force in women’s basketball, asserting their position at No. 1 in 61 of the last 62 polls. Coach Dawn Staley, whose team had last lost in December 2021, acknowledged the importance of the defeat, stating that it would help them focus on future opponents. The loss not only ended their long-standing streak but also provided an opportunity for reflection and growth.
The New Rankings
Following the latest poll, UCLA secured 20 first-place votes from a national media panel of 32 members. UConn, which remained in the second spot, received nine first-place votes, while Notre Dame climbed to third after their recent upset against then-No. 3 USC. South Carolina’s unexpected fall led them to drop to fourth place, with Texas rounding out the top five. Other teams that completed the top 10 included USC, LSU, Oklahoma, Kansas State, and Maryland.
Looking Ahead
Iowa State re-entered the Top 25 at No. 22, marking a return to the pole for the first time this season. Meanwhile, with South Carolina’s loss, Illinois seized the opportunity to move up to No. 19, now boasting the longest active winning streak in the country with ten consecutive wins.
As UCLA revels in its historical achievement and prepares for the challenges ahead, South Carolina aims to regroup and refocus on their rise back to the top. The dynamics of women’s basketball continue to shift, promising an exciting season to come for fans and teams alike.
