The University of South Carolina women's basketball is ranked number 1 in this week's Associated Press Top 25.

Playing one of the toughest schedules in the country, head coach Dawn Staley has led the team to a 16-1 record, including a 4-0 start to SEC play.

South Carolina returns to the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll for the first time since Feb. 9, 2015, which capped a 12-week run at the position. The Gamecocks went on to reach their first NCAA Final Four at the end of that season.

"Our 'Woman Up' theme this season is about approaching each practice and game with a focused, disciplined and trusting mindset," Staley said. "Our players have embraced this process, and their commitment to hard work has earned them the No. 1 ranking in the country."

This season, the Gamecocks have more wins over RPI top-50 teams than any other team in the country. Their 5 wins over nationally ranked teams top any other team in the country. South Carolina's ranked wins include victories over then-No. 4 Maryland, then-No. 2 Baylor and then-No. 13 Kentucky with is lone loss come to then-No. 17 Indiana on a neutral court.

Freshman Olivia Thompson of Lexington High School has played in 11 games, averaging 2.3 points per game and hitting 7 3-pointers.

South Carolina is back in action Thursday night at SEC rival Missouri. Tipoff in Columbia, Mo., is set for 8:30 p.m. on the SEC Network.