NCAA Women's Basketball: Texas Shakes Up SEC Power Rankings with Stunning Victory

Texas Triumphs Over South Carolina

In a thrilling top-five women's college basketball game, No. 4 Texas upset No. 2 South Carolina with a 66-62 victory, marking South Carolina's first SEC regular-season loss since December 2021. This significant win not only ended South Carolina's remarkable streak but also strengthened Texas' position as a contender for a top seed in the NCAA tournament. The game, which attracted over one million televised viewers, showcased a stellar performance by Texas' Madison Booker, who led the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds against the formidable South Carolina defense.

Implications for NCAA Tournament Seeding

The victory has significant implications for the SEC championship race, now featuring a three-way tie at the top of the conference standings among South Carolina, Texas, and LSU, each with a 10-1 record. This outcome has also caused a reshuffle in the ESPN Power Rankings, with Notre Dame and Texas moving up to No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, trailing behind UCLA. South Carolina saw a drop to No. 4, reflecting the competitive volatility at the pinnacle of women's college basketball.

Key Players and Upcoming Matches

Sophomore Madison Booker was instrumental in Texas' success, delivering a standout performance that included 20 points and 11 rebounds. Supporting players Taylor Jones and Kyla Oldacre also contributed significantly, with a combined total of 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 steals. Looking forward, Texas faces a crucial upcoming matchup against LSU on Sunday, which will serve as a litmus test for their championship aspirations.

This reshuffle in the power rankings forecasts a highly competitive end to the regular season, with several key matchups that could further influence the standings and the NCAA tournament seeds.