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Tuscaloosa Today
By the People, for the People
South Carolina Women's Basketball Stays Strong at No. 3 in AP Top 25
Gamecocks continue impressive run, with two ranked matchups on the schedule this week
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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The South Carolina women's basketball team held on to their spot as the Associated Press' No. 3 team in the latest poll, trailing only the top-ranked UConn Huskies and No. 2 UCLA Bruins. The Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley, have won 18 games in a row and boast an impressive 25-2 overall record and 11-1 mark in SEC play.
Why it matters
South Carolina has been a consistent powerhouse in women's college basketball, remaining in the top 7 of the AP poll since the 2019-2020 season. The team's continued success and ranking among the nation's elite programs highlights the strength of the Southeastern Conference and the Gamecocks' ability to compete at the highest level year after year.
The details
The Gamecocks' only loss this season came against the Oklahoma Sooners, who are ranked No. 11 in the country. South Carolina has beaten several other ranked opponents, including Texas, Duke, Louisville, Alabama, Georgia, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee. This week, the team will face two more ranked foes, taking on No. 25 Alabama on the road and hosting No. 17 Ole Miss at home.
- South Carolina has won 18 games in a row.
- The Gamecocks' overall record stands at 25-2, with an 11-1 mark in SEC play.
- South Carolina will face No. 25 Alabama on Thursday, February 19th at 8:30 p.m. Eastern.
- The Gamecocks will host No. 17 Ole Miss on Sunday, February 22nd at noon.
The players
Dawn Staley
The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, who has led the program to consistent success and national prominence.
UConn Huskies
The unanimous No. 1 team in the latest AP Top 25 poll.
UCLA Bruins
The No. 2 team in the country, behind only the UConn Huskies.
What’s next
The Gamecocks have two ranked opponents on the schedule this week, facing No. 25 Alabama on the road on Thursday, February 19th and hosting No. 17 Ole Miss on Sunday, February 22nd.
The takeaway
South Carolina's continued dominance and top-3 ranking in the AP poll underscores the program's status as one of the premier women's basketball teams in the country. The Gamecocks' ability to consistently compete at the highest level and beat ranked opponents is a testament to the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley and the talent of the players on the roster.
