In a thrilling turn of events, the Texas Longhorns have risen to the top of the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 women’s college basketball poll, claiming the number one spot for the first time in 21 years. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the team, which has worked tirelessly to earn its place among the nation’s elite.
The Longhorns’ ascent to the top was facilitated by Notre Dame’s double-overtime loss to North Carolina State. This upset created an opportunity for Texas to seize the number one spot, and they did so with conviction. UCLA, which had held the top spot for 12 weeks prior, moved up to second place, while Notre Dame fell to third.
Texas coach Vic Schaefer expressed his pride and admiration for his team, stating, “I’m so happy for my kids. They’ve earned where they are today.” Schaefer’s team received 19 first-place votes from a 31-member national media panel, solidifying their position as the nation’s top team.
This achievement is not only a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication but also a reflection of the rich tradition of excellence that exists within the Texas women’s basketball program. The Longhorns have spent 48 weeks atop the poll in their illustrious history, dating back to their first appearance at number one in 1980.
The AP Top 25 poll has witnessed a significant amount of parity this season, with four different teams holding the number one spot. This level of competition has created a thrilling narrative, with teams continually pushing themselves to be their best.
As the season progresses, fans can expect even more excitement and drama to unfold. The Texas Longhorns, now perched atop the poll, will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny and pressure to maintain their position. However, with their talent, determination, and rich tradition of excellence, they are well-equipped to rise to the challenge.
The complete AP Top 25 poll is as follows:
Texas
UCLA
Notre Dame
USC
UConn
South Carolina
LSU
North Carolina
NC State
TCU
Florida State and Louisville re-entered the rankings at number 24 and 25, respectively, while Georgia Tech and Illinois fell out of the top 25.
