Image Credits: IMAGN (left), Getty (right)
Not only did the UCLA Bruins hand South Carolina their first loss since the 2023 Final Four, but they also dethroned the Gamecocks from the top of the Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll. This marks the first time the Bruins have claimed the top spot in the AP rankings, ending South Carolina’s 23-week run at No.1
The 77-62 victory on Sunday was also the Bruins’ first win over the No. 1-ranked team, breaking their 0-20 record against top-ranked opponents. As a result, Dan Staley’s Gamecocks have dropped to No. 4 with a 5-1 record.
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Fans on X reacted to South Carolina’s new spot on the poll:
“How is Texas staying behind South Carolina what a joke,” a fan said.
“Disrespectful,” another fan said.
“SC still winning the title,” one fan said.
More fans joined in to appreciate UCLA women’s basketball program’s feat:
“UCLA making history as the new No. 1 is huge! The competition at the top is going to be intense this season.,” a fan said.
“They deserve it and look like the team to beat this season.,” another fan said.
“UCLA league is getting better We’ve been seeing a lot of great players now ngl,” one fan said.
UCLA expected to win against the South Carolina Gamecocks
Despite Dawn Staley’s 43-game win streak, the Bruins entered Sunday’s contest with expectations of winning at Pauley Pavilion.
“There just was never a doubt,” coach Cori Close said after the game. “And we prepared like we expected to win.”
Close believes that UCLA won because of selflessness and its work ethic, citing that depth, talent and versatility were the secondary factors.
“Work ethic and selflessness,” Close said. “Everyone had a moment. We are really versatile and have a lot of weapons. But they wouldn’t do much, we wouldn’t have this, if we didn’t have selflessness and elite work ethic.”
South Carolina is coming off an undefeated championship season last year, lifting the program’s third title in seven years.
Bruins not only capitalized on the offensive end but put on a defensive clinic against the Gamecocks, holding them to less than 37% shooting. As a result, they led by 21 points at the break, handing Dawn Staley her biggest halftime deficit since December 2021.
The Bruins will now play UT Martin Skyhawks on Friday while Dawn Staley’s crew will Iowa State Cyclones on Thursday.
