It’s a mighty fall from the top for South Carolina. The Dawn Staley-led team might be hoping for a repeat of last year’s NCAA victory but they’ve already lost a game in a surprise loss to UCLA. Even if the Gamecocks now end up winning in 2025, it won’t be on the back of an undefeated season. The hands that dealt them that devastating blow are also the ones who have dethroned them in the AP Rankings released today.

The latest poll from the Associated Press shows South Carolina down at No. 4, whereas UCLA has climbed to the top. Where UConn was expected to rise to the first position, they’ve maintained their spot at No. 2 despite winning their first four games of the season and losing none. Receiving nine of a possible 32 first-place votes, UConn has several ranked match-ups coming up in Dec. as well as this last week of November at Baha Mar.

But while Auriemma’s Huskies maintain their position, the Gamecocks’ one loss to the Bruins has brought them down three spots. Their 43-game streak now broken, South Carolina has been pushed down from the No. 1 spot for the first time since the first week of the 2023-24 season. Their last loss was to Iowa in the 2022-2023 Final Four before this, and since 2021’s No. 6 ranking, this is their lowest since then.

The Bruins have climbed to the top from the 5th spot, making it their first No. 1 ranking in program history. It’s also UCLA’s highest ranking since a streak at No. 2 from Weeks 3-10 in 2023-24. While the coach thought Notre Dame also looked good, Cori Close was still proud of what the Bruins have been able to do this season.

When the poll was released, it was not just the current players present in the locker room, but decades of alumni sharing in the historic feat.

UCLA coach Cori Close reflects on first-ever top spot in AP rankings

The dominant 77-62 victory was a huge win for the Bruins as it was the first time UCLA was able to win against a top-ranked team in 20 plays. The streak snapped against the reigning champions of all teams, also making them the 26th program ever to be a No. 1 team, and Cori Close reflected on the victory in the locker room.

“I think the piece that really hits me is that we’re doing something for the first time in school history and we shared it with decades of alum,” Close said. “It was great to have so many alumni in our locker room to share it with. The people that blazed the trail for us we’re walking in is really special.”

As the 2024-25 season continues, which of these powerhouses will claim the ultimate victory? Will Auriemma finally win his 12th trophy? Will Staley be able to repeat the victory? Or will dark horse UCLA surprise everyone again? It remains to be seen!