The Associated Press (AP) Women’s Basketball Poll has been released, and South Carolina remains firmly entrenched in the top spot. This is the fourth consecutive week that the Gamecocks have held the number one ranking, and they have been in the top five for the entire season. Syracuse has also made a big jump, entering the top 25 for the first time this season.
South Carolina is currently 21-1, with their only loss coming against then-No. 2 Baylor in late December. Since then, they have won nine consecutive games, including a win over then-No. 5 Mississippi State. The Gamecocks are led by senior guard Tyasha Harris, who is averaging 14.7 points and 5.5 assists per game.
Syracuse has been on a roll lately, winning seven of their last eight games. They have been led by freshman guard Kiara Lewis, who is averaging 17.3 points and 5.2 assists per game. The Orange have also been getting strong contributions from junior forward Digna Strautmane and sophomore guard Tiana Mangakahia, who are both averaging double-digit points per game.
The AP poll is voted on by a panel of 32 sportswriters and broadcasters from around the country. South Carolina received 28 of the 32 first-place votes, while Baylor received the other four. Syracuse was ranked 22nd in the poll, receiving one first-place vote.
The top 25 teams in the AP poll are a who’s who of college basketball powerhouses, with UConn, Louisville, Oregon, Stanford, and Mississippi State all making appearances. The Big 12 leads all conferences with six teams in the top 25, followed by the ACC with five teams.
It’s clear that South Carolina is the team to beat in women’s college basketball this season. They have been dominant all year long and look poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Syracuse is also making a statement this year, and their entry into the top 25 is a sign that they are ready to compete with the best teams in the country.
