South Carolina and Texas Longhorns sit atop the latest NCAA women’s basketball rankings with identical 30-0 records, setting the stage for a potential showdown in the NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks and Longhorns remain the only two undefeated teams in Division I, according to the most recent rankings released by the NCAA and confirmed by the Associated Press. With both teams maintaining perfect seasons, the stakes for their upcoming matchups—and the national title race—have never been higher.
South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, has dominated the regular season with a 30-0 record, including a 17-0 mark in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Gamecocks’ defense, ranked among the nation’s best, has allowed an average of just 54.9 points per game, per NCAA statistics. Meanwhile, Texas Longhorns, under coach Vic Schaefer, have also gone unbeaten, boasting a 30-0 record with a 17-0 performance in the Big 12 Conference. The Longhorns’ offense, led by star guard Alyssa Thomas, ranks second nationally in scoring with 86.1 points per game.
The two teams are scheduled to face off in the NCAA Tournament, with the exact matchup still to be determined. Their head-to-head clash would mark a pivotal moment in the season, as both programs vie for a spot in the Final Four. Analysts and coaches alike have highlighted the defensive intensity of South Carolina and the offensive firepower of Texas as key factors in their undefeated campaigns.
Why South Carolina and Texas Longhorns Are the NCAA’s Top Teams
South Carolina’s dominance stems from a combination of elite defense and clutch performances from senior guard Aliyah Boston, who averages 18.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. The Gamecocks have outscored opponents by an average of 12.5 points per game, a margin that underscores their ability to control games from start to finish. “Their defense is relentless,” said SEC coach Mike Jarvis. “They make everyone earn their points, and that’s why they’re undefeated.”
Texas Longhorns, meanwhile, have thrived on their offensive versatility. Alyssa Thomas, the team’s leading scorer with 21.3 points per game, has been a constant threat, while guard Kamie Ethridge contributes 14.8 points and 7.2 assists. The Longhorns’ ability to shoot from three—hitting 38.5% of their long-range attempts—has kept opponents on their heels. “They’ve got the size, the skill, and the killer instinct,” said Big 12 coach Gary McGee. “That’s why they’re still perfect.”
Both teams have faced elite competition, with South Carolina defeating powerhouses like Notre Dame and Connecticut, while Texas has outdueled Baylor and Oklahoma. Their upcoming matchup could very well determine who emerges as the top seed in the NCAA Tournament bracket.
What Happens Next: Key Dates and Matchups
The NCAA Tournament selection show begins on March 11, with the official bracket released on March 12. South Carolina and Texas Longhorns are expected to be top seeds, with their first-round matchups likely to be announced in the coming days. Fans can track updates via the NCAA’s official website or follow the teams’ social media accounts for real-time developments.
If South Carolina and Texas Longhorns meet in the NCAA Tournament, the game would carry national title implications. Both teams have the talent, depth, and coaching to make a deep run, and a victory in their first matchup would solidify one team’s claim to the top spot. “This is the kind of rivalry that could decide the whole tournament,” said ESPN analyst Lisa Byington. “Both teams have what it takes to win it all.”
A Look at the Rest of the Top 10
While South Carolina and Texas Longhorns lead the rankings, other teams are making their own cases for a Final Four berth. Here’s a snapshot of the current top 10, based on the latest NCAA rankings:
- 3. UConn Huskies (26-3): The Huskies remain the deepest team in the nation, with a roster featuring multiple All-Americans. Their loss to South Carolina in early February was their only blemish, but they’ve since rebounded with wins over Rutgers and Villanova.
- 4. Baylor Bears (25-4): Led by guard Makayla James, Baylor has been a consistent threat, though their recent loss to Texas has dropped them slightly in the rankings.
- 5. Louisville Cardinals (24-5): The Cardinals have shown resilience, with guard Hailey Van Lith leading the way with 18.7 points per game.
- 6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (24-5): A strong defensive team, Notre Dame has been a tough out, though their recent struggles against South Carolina and Texas have raised questions.
- 7. Stanford Cardinal (23-6): The Cardinal have been a surprise package, with guard Jordan Horston averaging 17.2 points per game.
- 8. Iowa Hawkeyes (22-7): Led by Caitlin Clark, Iowa has been a national story, though their recent losses have slightly dampened their momentum.
- 9. Oregon Ducks (22-7): The Ducks have been a consistent performer, with guard Sabina Jastrzebska leading the way.
- 10. LSU Tigers (21-8): The Tigers have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled with consistency late in the season.
Teams like UConn, Baylor, and Louisville remain in the mix, but South Carolina and Texas Longhorns hold the clear advantage heading into the NCAA Tournament. Their paths to the Final Four could cross, setting up a potential championship showdown.
What This Means for the NCAA Tournament Bracket
The NCAA Tournament selection committee will closely monitor how South Carolina and Texas Longhorns perform in their final regular-season games. A win against a top-25 opponent could further solidify their top-seed status, while a loss could drop them slightly in the rankings. “The committee looks at the toughest wins,” said NCAA selection committee chair Sue Donnelly. “If these teams can add another marquee victory, it will only help their case.”
For now, both South Carolina and Texas Longhorns are in the driver’s seat. Their ability to maintain their undefeated records—and their performances in the NCAA Tournament—will determine who hoists the national championship trophy this season.
Where to Watch: Live Updates and Broadcast Information
Fans can follow the latest updates on South Carolina and Texas Longhorns through official channels:
- South Carolina Gamecocks official website
- Texas Longhorns official website
- NCAA official tournament updates
- ESPN live scores and analysis
The NCAA Tournament will air on CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV, with all games available for streaming via the NCAA March Madness Live app. Fans can also tune in to local broadcasts for regional coverage.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina and Texas Longhorns are the only two undefeated teams in Division I women’s basketball.
- Both teams are expected to be top seeds in the NCAA Tournament, with their first-round matchups to be announced on March 12.
- South Carolina’s defense and Texas’s offense are the primary reasons for their undefeated records.
- UConn, Baylor, and Louisville remain strong contenders but trail South Carolina and Texas in the rankings.
- The NCAA Tournament selection show begins on March 11, with the official bracket released on March 12.
The road to the NCAA championship is just beginning, and with South Carolina and Texas Longhorns leading the charge, fans can expect an exciting and competitive tournament. Stay tuned for updates as the teams prepare for their final regular-season games and the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
What do you think—will South Carolina or Texas Longhorns emerge as the national champions? Share your predictions in the comments below!