Sat Mar 08 21:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Texas Longhorns Soar to No. 1, Baylor Bears Close In on Big 12 Title Amidst Historic Series Hiatus

**AUSTIN, TX** – The Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team has ascended to the top of the AP poll for the first time since 2004, fueled by a dominant 13-1 SEC record and a recent 57-26 victory over Georgia. Taylor Jones’ 17-point, 16-rebound performance exemplifies the team’s success, showcasing the style of play that thrives in the SEC. Their current 11-game winning streak positions them for a share of the SEC regular season title, with only matchups against Mississippi State and Florida remaining.

This season marks the first time in 50 years that the Longhorns haven’t faced their longtime rivals, the Baylor Bears, in the regular season. The end of their annual series stems from Texas’ move to the SEC. Despite the absence of their traditional rivalry game, both teams are flourishing. Baylor, currently 15-2 in Big 12 play, is on a nine-game winning streak and is poised for a showdown with TCU for the Big 12 regular season title on March 2nd. They currently sit at No. 15 in the ESPN Power Rankings.

While the Texas-Baylor rivalry is currently on hold (a potential NCAA Tournament meeting remains a possibility), the historical context is significant. Texas holds a 60-50 series lead, though Baylor dominated the series under Coach Kim Mulkey. Texas coach Vic Schaefer, aiming for the program’s second NCAA title, has overseen a seamless transition to the SEC, leveraging his experience from Mississippi State. Baylor, under coach Nicki Collen, has quietly built momentum, peaking at a crucial time.

Other notable teams highlighted include: USC, with JuJu Watkins leading their charge; UCLA, boasting Lauren Betts’ strong performances; Notre Dame, looking to recover from a loss to NC State; UConn, showcasing Paige Bueckers’ continued excellence; South Carolina, aiming for an SEC title share; LSU, relying on its star trio; North Carolina, overcoming injuries for key victories; NC State, displaying strong postseason potential; TCU, vying for the Big 12 title; Oklahoma, with Raegan Beers’ impressive scoring; Ohio State, facing consistency concerns; Kentucky, battling for SEC positioning; and Tennessee, aiming for a strong conference finish. Duke and Kansas State were also mentioned. The article concludes with upcoming game schedules for several of these teams.

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