Five takeaways from AP Top 25 women's basketball poll

In this week's Associated Press Top 25 women's basketball poll released Monday, one powerhouse program continues to make a strong case for the top ranking while only three unbeaten teams remain after another week of upsets and noteworthy performances.

Here are five takeaways from the poll:

South Carolina adds to impressive resume after another ranked win

For the fifth time this season, the second-ranked Gamecocks (16-1, 4-0 SEC) defeated a ranked opponent when they took down then-No. 5 Texas, 67-50, on Sunday. Four of those five wins have come against top 10 teams. The lone setback came to the current No. 1 team in the country, UCLA, in a 77-62 loss on Nov. 24.

While South Carolina has five players averaging between 9.5 and 11.2 points per game this season, the loss of junior forward Ashlyn Watkins (torn ACL) for the rest of the season could prevent the Gamecocks from taking that next step, given she averages 7.2 points and 6.4 rebounds.

Although South Carolina has won nine of its past 11 games against AP top five opponents, and the balanced production on offense is obvious, Watkins' season-ending injury could potentially have a profound impact on its success the rest of the season.

Only three unbeatens remain after Maryland, Georgia Tech suffer setbacks

Five teams may have entered last week undefeated, but only three are left standing in this week's rankings.

No. 8 Maryland had mixed results with its first loss against No. 4 USC, 79-74, and an 83-68 bounce back win on the road at Wisconsin. The Terrapins remain at No. 8 despite the loss.

Even though Maryland forced 19 turnovers and controlled the paint, 40-26, against the Trojans, it only went 2-for-14 from long-range and lost the rebounding advantage, 47-40. With a four-game stretch against current AP-ranked teams on deck, Maryland must clean up those two areas if it is going to maintain its spot in the top 10.

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets fall from No. 13 to No. 17 after losing a pair of games, both of which were to unranked teams.

After a 15-0 start, Georgia Tech (15-2, 3-2 ACC) gave up 105 points to Virginia Tech and trailed by as many as 18 points to Louisville after allowing 22 points off turnovers. With a showdown against No. 3 Notre Dame looming on Thursday, Georgia Tech has to play better defense and keep from falling behind as it looks to respond after a difficult week.

California sees biggest gain in rankings after strong start to ACC play

Th Golden Bears (16-2, 4-1 ACC), up six spots to No. 18 in the poll, are off to an excellent start in their first season in the conference.

All five starters scored in double figures to lead California past then-No. 21 N.C. State on Thursday, while a 50-point first half carried it past Florida State on Sunday.

A road test awaits at No. 16 Duke this Thursday. If the Golden Bears keep sharing the ball and remain balanced on offense, they should continue to pose a significant threat to anyone that plays them.

Kentucky, North Carolina move up several spots after impressive performances

Kentucky (15-1, 4-0 SEC), up three spots to No. 12, is one of only three undefeated teams remaining in SEC play, along with No. 2 South Carolina and No. 5 LSU (18-0, 3-0 SEC).

In the Wildcats' win over Auburn on Sunday, senior guard Georgia Amoore made her mark as the first SEC player with 20 points and 10 assists in a conference game since Georgia's Que Morrison accomplished the feat vs. LSU on Dec. 30, 2021. If Amoore maintains that production and sophomore center Clara Strack (15.3 PPG, 9.7 RPG) continues to be a force under the basket, this Kentucky team can go a long way.

The Tar Heels (15-3, 3-2 ACC), up five spots to No. 14, picked up two key wins, including a rivalry win over previously-No .14 Duke, 53-46 in overtime.

North Carolina, however, struggled against Boston College on Sunday. While the Tar Heels won, 80-67, it took a 26-10 run in the second half to do so. Considering Boston College (10-8, 1-4 ACC) is toward the bottom of the league standings, that has to be somewhat concerning going forward.

Minnesota, Oklahoma State join the rankings

Possessing the third-best defense in the country (50.8 PPG), the Golden Gophers (16-1, 4-1 Big Ten), now ranked 24th, are off to their best start through 17 games and first ranking since 2019. Maintaining that strong defense is going to be crucial as the conference slate gets tougher.

Oklahoma State (14-2, 4-1 Big 12), also ranked 24th, is ranked for the first time since 2018 and off its best start since the 2013-14 season. Although the Cowgirls took down a 17th-ranked West Virginia team, 64-57, on Saturday, they turned the ball over 24 times. Oklahoma State will not be as fortunate in most games if that continues.