South Carolina women's basketball still sits atop NET rankings

South Carolina women’s basketball might not be No. 1 in the AP Poll, but the NET rankings love the Gamecocks. In fact, Dawn Staley’s team is the top team in the country in the NET. Frankly, barring another loss, it doesn’t seem like South Carolina will move from the top spot, even with several undefeated teams behind them.

USC’s difficult schedule plays a big part in helping the team’s NET ranking overcome its recent loss to UCLA. South Carolina already faced off with six Quad 1 opponents. UCLA (No. 2) handed the Gamecocks a loss, but Carolina is 5-0 in its other Quad 1 opportunities against Michigan (No. 17), NC State (No. 27), Clemson (No. 71), Iowa State (No. 61), and Duke (No. 10). No other team has played that many elite opponents.

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The NET favors difficult schedules, but it rewards efficiency, as well. Aside from the UCLA defeat and a 6-point win over Michigan in the season opener, South Carolina has beaten every opponent by double figures. They’ve topped five of them by at least 30 points. Because of those lopsided margins, the team’s offensive and defensive efficiency numbers rank among the best in the country, so it is no surprise that USC’s NET number is so strong.

Not that Coach Staley’s team needs the resume booster, but the Gamecocks have another Quad 1 (and top-10) matchup on Sunday. South Carolina will travel to Fort Worth to take on the TCU Horned Frogs in a road contest. The Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Classic matchup will be at Dickies Arena to accommodate the expected larger crowd. Fans can tune in to watch the game on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m. or steam it on the ESPN app.

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