Final Score of the Texas Longhorns vs. South Carolina Gamecocks, February 09, 2025

The Showdown: Texas vs. South Carolina

On February 9, 2025, two powerhouse teams in women’s college basketball, the Texas Longhorns and the South Carolina Gamecocks, faced off in a highly anticipated matchup at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. This game carried added significance for both teams, as it would have major implications for rankings, conference standings, and playoff positioning.

South Carolina, riding a 57-game Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season winning streak, came into this game as one of the hottest teams in the nation. The Longhorns, however, had been consistently ranked among the top teams in the country and were eager to prove themselves against the reigning juggernauts of the SEC.

First Half: Texas Builds an Early Lead

The game kicked off with an intense, fast-paced first quarter. Both teams were aggressive on defense, but it was Texas that came out with the upper hand. Senior forward Taylor Jones, who had been somewhat of a silent contributor in their previous matchups against South Carolina, made an immediate impact. She put up 7 points and secured three rebounds in the opening quarter, showing the kind of versatility and presence in the paint that would prove valuable as the game progressed.

Sophomore forward Madison Booker, who had been an emerging star for the Longhorns, also made her mark early, contributing 6 points in the first quarter. Her ability to stretch the floor and hit key shots from the mid-range and beyond the arc provided Texas with the offensive spark they needed to maintain a narrow lead. By the end of the first quarter, the Longhorns held a slight advantage, leading 18-16.

In the second quarter, Texas expanded their lead further. They outscored South Carolina 18-11, taking a 36-27 lead into halftime. Much of their success during this period was due to their stifling defense. Texas held South Carolina to just 1-6 shooting from the three-point line in the second quarter, and the Gamecocks struggled to generate open looks. The Longhorns’ defense, led by Jones, who had 4 steals by the end of the half, was relentless. Jones finished the half with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals, showing her all-around ability.

South Carolina, known for their offensive prowess, was finding it difficult to get into any rhythm. Their shooters were being heavily contested, and their stars, including MiLaysia Fulwiley and Zia Cooke, were being held in check. The Gamecocks looked frustrated, and it seemed as though Texas might be able to hold on to their lead if they continued their disciplined play.

Third Quarter: South Carolina Fights Back

The third quarter saw a completely different Gamecocks team. After a halftime discussion, South Carolina came out with a renewed sense of urgency. They quickly began to close the gap, with Fulwiley and Cooke starting to heat up. The Gamecocks hit 3 three-pointers in the third quarter, which helped them cut into Texas’ lead.

A key turning point came when senior forward Sania Feagin, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, made a series of aggressive plays in the paint. Her 4 early points in the third quarter sparked the Gamecocks’ comeback. The momentum shifted, and Texas, despite a strong performance from Booker, found themselves in a battle.

By the end of the third quarter, the score was tied 49-49, as South Carolina’s offensive burst erased the 9-point deficit they had faced at halftime. The Longhorns, however, did not back down. Booker, who had 15 points by the end of the third, kept her team afloat with key buckets. She had been a reliable scorer all game, but in the third quarter, her ability to hit mid-range jumpers and create plays for herself became even more critical.

Despite the Gamecocks’ resurgence, Texas managed to hold strong, and the stage was set for an exciting fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter: The Clutch Moments

The final quarter was as intense as it gets. Neither team was willing to give up an inch, and it was clear that this game was going to come down to the final moments. The pace slowed a bit, as both teams became more strategic in their offensive sets. Defensively, the Longhorns continued to show their mettle, with Taylor Jones and the entire team disrupting South Carolina’s offensive flow.

With just under 3 minutes remaining in the game, the score was tied again at 62-62. The tension in the Moody Center was palpable, with the crowd on the edge of their seats. South Carolina had a chance to take the lead, but after a missed layup from Tessa Johnson, Texas grabbed the crucial rebound. At this point, the Longhorns had the ball and a chance to either extend their lead or secure the victory with some clutch free throws.

With 15 seconds left on the clock, Texas had a 2-point lead. South Carolina, desperate for a final possession, fouled Texas. The Longhorns calmly knocked down their free throws, extending their lead and ultimately sealing the game at 66-62. The Gamecocks’ last-gasp efforts to secure a win came up short, and Texas had pulled off the upset.

Key Performances: Who Stood Out?

Madison Booker was undoubtedly the standout player of the game for Texas. The sophomore forward finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds, a double-double performance that showcased her versatility and ability to step up in big moments. She was not only a scoring threat but also a key rebounder, helping the Longhorns maintain possession and extend their offensive sets.

Taylor Jones also played a crucial role in the victory. Finishing with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals, Jones’ defensive efforts were particularly impressive. She was everywhere on the floor, guarding the perimeter and the post, and disrupting South Carolina’s ball movement. Her ability to shut down key players like Zia Cooke and MiLaysia Fulwiley was integral to Texas’ success.

For South Carolina, MiLaysia Fulwiley led the way with 13 points, but she was often frustrated by Texas’ defense. Sania Feagin, who had an off night in terms of scoring, added 9 points but was unable to lift her team when it mattered most. Zia Cooke, typically a reliable scorer, struggled to get going in the face of Texas’ defensive pressure.

The Significance of the Win

This victory was monumental for the Texas Longhorns, as it not only handed South Carolina their first SEC regular-season loss in over two years but also demonstrated that they were capable of competing with the nation’s elite teams. The Longhorns, with their disciplined defense and balanced offensive attack, showed that they could hang with any team in the country.

For South Carolina, this loss was a hard pill to swallow. Not only did it snap their 57-game SEC regular-season win streak, but it also shook their position atop the SEC standings. With Texas, LSU, and Tennessee all hot on their heels, the Gamecocks would have to regroup quickly if they wanted to finish the regular season strong.

For the SEC as a whole, this game added another layer of intrigue to what has already been a thrilling conference race. South Carolina’s dominance had made them the clear frontrunners, but with this loss, the door was now open for other teams to challenge for the title.

The Texas Longhorns’ 66-62 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks on February 9, 2025, was a statement game for the Longhorns. They proved that they could go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the nation and come out on top. This victory ended South Carolina’s historic streak and set the stage for an exciting finish to the SEC season. With both teams eyeing the NCAA tournament, this game will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in their respective seasons.

As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how Texas capitalizes on this huge win and whether South Carolina can rebound in time for the postseason.