Women’s Top 25 roundup: The Gamecocks, ranked second, win their 50th consecutive SEC match

In the ever-competitive world of women’s college basketball, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks have built a dynasty that is becoming hard to ignore. On January 9, 2025, the Gamecocks extended their already impressive streak, winning their 50th consecutive Southeastern Conference (SEC) match with a decisive victory over Arkansas. As they continue to maintain their place as one of the top teams in the nation, South Carolina’s dominance in the SEC is both impressive and historic. Their 50th consecutive SEC win is a testament to the team’s consistency, talent, and the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, who has turned the Gamecocks into a perennial powerhouse in women’s basketball.

This victory not only keeps South Carolina atop the SEC standings but also serves as a reminder of the program’s relentless drive to compete at the highest level year in and year out. Ranked No. 2 in the nation, the Gamecocks continue to be one of the premier teams in NCAA women’s basketball, and their dominance in the SEC is just one of the many markers of their sustained excellence.

The Top 25 roundup following this thrilling SEC showdown reflects the shifting tides of the rankings, with the Gamecocks maintaining their stronghold on the conference while other teams are emerging as serious contenders for national supremacy. As South Carolina’s streak of SEC victories continues to grow, the pressure mounts for other teams to break through, while the Gamecocks themselves have their sights firmly set on another national championship.

A Historic Milestone: South Carolina’s 50th Consecutive SEC Win

When the Gamecocks stepped onto the court against Arkansas, the stage was set for history. The team had already built a reputation for its defensive prowess and offensive efficiency, but reaching 50 consecutive SEC victories was a monumental achievement for a program that continues to raise the bar year after year. South Carolina’s dominance in the conference began back in 2020, and since then, they’ve amassed win after win in one of the toughest conferences in all of women’s basketball.

The significance of their 50th consecutive SEC victory cannot be overstated. For one, the SEC has long been regarded as one of the most competitive conferences in women’s college basketball, and to maintain such a streak within it is a feat few teams have managed to achieve. Moreover, South Carolina’s success in the SEC is indicative of their ability to thrive under pressure, as they face the most formidable teams in the country week in and week out.

Head coach Dawn Staley, now in her 15th season at the helm of South Carolina, has been instrumental in shaping this program into a juggernaut. With a combination of elite recruiting, superior player development, and an unwavering commitment to defense, Staley has built a team that is both talented and disciplined. Her ability to bring out the best in her players has allowed the Gamecocks to not only dominate the SEC but also compete on the national stage consistently.

While the 50th SEC victory is a huge milestone, the Gamecocks’ ultimate goal remains securing a national championship, something they have achieved twice under Staley’s leadership (2017 and 2022). This win, however, highlights the consistency and mental toughness of a team that has come to expect nothing less than excellence.

The Arkansas Game: A 50th SEC Win Secured

In their game against Arkansas, South Carolina showcased exactly why they have been so dominant in the SEC. The Gamecocks turned in a performance that was nothing short of impressive, defeating the Razorbacks with a convincing score of 80-62. South Carolina’s defense set the tone from the start, stifling Arkansas’ offensive attack and forcing turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities. On offense, the Gamecocks exhibited their typical balance, with multiple players stepping up to contribute.

Aliyah Boston, one of the top players in women’s college basketball, was instrumental in the win. The senior forward led the way for South Carolina with a double-double performance, scoring 22 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. Boston’s presence in the paint was felt throughout the game, as she controlled the boards and provided an inside scoring threat that Arkansas simply couldn’t match. Her ability to score efficiently and grab rebounds made her a constant mismatch for Arkansas’ defense.

Boston’s dominance in the post was complemented by strong performances from Zia Cooke, who added 18 points, and Brea Beal, who chipped in with 15 points and played outstanding defense. Cooke’s outside shooting and Beal’s slashing ability provided South Carolina with a versatile offensive attack that kept Arkansas on its heels throughout the contest.

In addition to the offensive contributions from Boston, Cooke, and Beal, Laeticia Amihere also made an impact, finishing with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Amihere’s length and athleticism were key in both defending Arkansas’ forwards and providing a scoring punch when needed. The Gamecocks’ ability to play through different players in different spots on the court made them nearly impossible to defend, and their overall team chemistry was evident in their high-scoring effort.

On the defensive end, South Carolina was suffocating, forcing Arkansas into difficult shots and disrupting their offensive flow. The Gamecocks’ defense, which has been one of their hallmarks under Staley, has been a key to their success. By holding Arkansas to just 62 points, South Carolina proved once again that their defense is capable of shutting down even the most potent offenses in the SEC.

Dawn Staley’s Leadership and Impact

Dawn Staley’s influence on South Carolina women’s basketball cannot be overstated. When she took over the program in 2008, the Gamecocks were nowhere near the level of dominance they enjoy today. Staley’s leadership and vision have transformed South Carolina into one of the premier programs in the country, and her ability to build a culture of success is evident in the consistency the Gamecocks have shown year after year.

Staley’s philosophy is simple: prioritize defense, stay disciplined, and work as a team. This approach has paid dividends, as South Carolina has become a perennial contender in the SEC and NCAA tournaments. Under Staley’s leadership, the Gamecocks have consistently recruited top-tier talent, and she has developed that talent into players who are ready to contribute immediately.

The program’s success is not just due to the talent on the court but also the culture that Staley has cultivated. She has created an environment in which players push each other to be their best and understand the importance of accountability. This culture has allowed South Carolina to remain at the top of women’s college basketball, even as other programs continue to improve and recruit top-tier talent.

The Top 25 Roundup: A Look at the Rankings

While South Carolina’s 50th consecutive SEC win is the highlight of the night, the national rankings also saw movement, with other teams continuing to make their presence felt.

UConn continues to be a dominant force in women’s basketball, staying firmly in the No. 1 spot after another dominant win. The Huskies, led by coach Geno Auriemma, are still as dangerous as ever, and despite some key injuries this season, their depth and experience have kept them on top.

Stanford follows closely behind South Carolina, sitting at No. 3. The Cardinal have been formidable all season, led by star guard Hannah Jump and a tough, defensive-minded approach. Stanford’s defense and ability to execute in clutch moments make them a major threat to anyone in the field.

Meanwhile, LSU and Tennessee round out the top five in the rankings. Both teams have had strong seasons in the SEC, with LSU looking to reclaim its place among the national elite after a few seasons of transition. Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers are looking like a team capable of making a deep run, while Tennessee has shown a lot of promise with a well-rounded team that can compete at the highest levels.

UCLA and Notre Dame continue to make their case for top-tier status in the rankings. Both teams have played strong, well-rounded basketball and are emerging as major threats as the season progresses. The depth of talent in the women’s game this year is notable, and teams like UCLA and Notre Dame will likely play crucial roles in shaping the postseason.

Looking Ahead: South Carolina’s Championship Aspirations

As South Carolina celebrates its 50th consecutive SEC win, the team must now set its sights on the larger goal of securing another national championship. With their dominance in the SEC firmly established, the Gamecocks are poised for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The competition is fierce, but with players like Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal, South Carolina is undoubtedly one of the favorites.

The road to the championship will not be easy, and the Gamecocks will face challenges from other powerhouse programs, but their recent win over Arkansas is a reminder that South Carolina is prepared for whatever lies ahead. Their ability to maintain their high level of play, their commitment to defense, and their offensive versatility will be key in their pursuit of another title.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Gamecocks to see if they can continue their historic run and secure yet another national championship under Dawn Staley’s leadership. The legacy of the Gamecocks is one that is only growing stronger, and the future looks bright for a program that has already established itself as one of the elite teams in women’s college basketball.