No. 4 Texas defeats No. 2 South Carolina in a tough match on Sunday.

No. 4 Texas Defeats No. 2 South Carolina in a Thrilling Battle: A Comprehensive Analysis

On Sunday, February 9, 2025, the Texas Longhorns secured a hard-fought 66-62 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks in a game that not only showcased the high level of competition in women’s college basketball but also had significant implications for both teams’ rankings and the race for the SEC regular-season title. Held at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, the match pitted two of the nation’s top teams against each other, with the stakes higher than ever.

The Build-Up to the Game: High Expectations and Rivalry Renewed

Heading into the contest, both teams were in the midst of outstanding seasons. Texas, ranked No. 4 in the nation, had established themselves as one of the top programs in women’s college basketball, boasting a 23-2 record with only one loss in the SEC. South Carolina, however, entered the game as the No. 2 team in the country, led by their head coach Dawn Staley, and with a remarkable 17-0 record to start the season. Their recent dominance had been fueled by stellar performances from both returning stars and emerging talents.

The rivalry between Texas and South Carolina was an exciting one, with both programs having met in critical matchups in the past. The stakes were even higher this time around, as both teams were fighting for positioning in the SEC standings and a potential No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. With all eyes on the matchup, it was clear that this game had all the elements of a classic.

First Half: Texas Takes Control Early

From the tip-off, both teams exhibited impressive energy, but it was Texas who set the tone early. The Longhorns’ defense was stifling, forcing South Carolina into difficult shot attempts and limiting their ability to get into a rhythm. Texas forward Taylor Jones, known for her presence in both the post and on the perimeter, was a key factor in the opening minutes, contributing seven points in the first quarter alone. Her aggressive play helped Texas gain a slim 18-16 advantage at the end of the period.

One of the major differences between the two teams early in the game was Texas’ ability to execute offensively while also playing suffocating defense. The Longhorns made a conscious effort to push the ball up the floor quickly, capitalizing on South Carolina’s early mistakes. Texas was able to move the ball fluidly, making it difficult for the Gamecocks to get into their usual defensive sets.

As the second quarter unfolded, Texas continued to capitalize on South Carolina’s struggles. The Gamecocks’ shots weren’t falling, and they were having difficulty creating good looks in the paint. Texas forward Kyla Oldacre was a standout in this stretch, scoring multiple baskets in the paint and keeping the Gamecocks’ defense on its heels. The Longhorns extended their lead, finishing the first half up 36-27, with the crowd at the Moody Center buzzing with excitement.

South Carolina’s shooting percentage in the first half was below their usual standards. The Gamecocks were only shooting 36% from the field at halftime, a stark contrast to Texas, who had found their rhythm and were shooting 50%. This disparity in shooting efficiency would play a critical role in the outcome of the game.

The Gamecocks’ Second-Half Resurgence: South Carolina Fights Back

Despite their struggles in the first half, the Gamecocks were far from out of the game. Head coach Dawn Staley made several key adjustments during the break, emphasizing better ball movement and quicker decision-making to break through Texas’ defense. South Carolina came out of halftime with renewed energy, and their defensive pressure increased significantly, forcing the Longhorns into tougher shots and pushing them into a faster-paced game.

The Gamecocks’ offensive attack, led by star guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, began to find its footing in the third quarter. Fulwiley, who had been quiet in the first half, exploded for six points in the third quarter, leading South Carolina on a 10-2 run to close the gap. Texas’ defense, while still strong, was beginning to show signs of fatigue as the Gamecocks’ offense gained momentum. South Carolina’s shooting improved as well, with their field goal percentage rising to 44% by the end of the third period.

By the time the quarter concluded, the Gamecocks had tied the game at 49-49, sending the contest into a final period that promised to be a thrilling battle. The tension in the arena was palpable, as both teams were now playing for more than just a regular-season win; they were fighting for supremacy in one of the most competitive conferences in the nation.

The Final Quarter: Oldacre and Booker Lead Texas to Victory

With the game tied and the clock ticking down, both teams knew that the next few minutes would likely decide the winner. In these high-pressure moments, it was Texas who remained composed and executed under pressure. Kyla Oldacre, whose contributions had been key in the earlier stages of the game, took over in the final quarter. She scored eight points in the period, including several clutch baskets in the paint, proving to be a difference-maker when it mattered most.

Texas’ star player, Madison Booker, also played a pivotal role in the victory. Booker, who had been a consistent performer all season, finished the game with a double-double, registering 20 points and 11 rebounds. Her ability to score in multiple ways, combined with her strong rebounding presence, helped Texas regain control after South Carolina’s surge in the third quarter.

Rori Harmon, another key contributor for Texas, sealed the game with two crucial free throws in the final seconds. Harmon, known for her clutch performances, stepped up when her team needed her most, helping to secure a 66-62 victory for the Longhorns.

Key Performances: The Standouts of the Game

While the entire Texas team played a vital role in the victory, several players stood out as game-changers. Madison Booker’s double-double was perhaps the most impressive individual performance of the night. Her scoring and rebounding were critical, especially in a game where every possession counted. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor showcased why she is considered one of the top players in the country.

Kyla Oldacre’s performance in the fourth quarter was nothing short of exceptional. Oldacre’s timely scoring kept South Carolina at bay when they were threatening to take control of the game. Her poise in clutch moments made her a key player in Texas’ win.

South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley was another standout in the game. While she had a quiet first half, her ability to find her rhythm in the third quarter and score six points helped the Gamecocks close the gap and tie the game. Despite the loss, Fulwiley’s resilience and leadership were evident, and she will undoubtedly be a player to watch in future games.

Impact on the SEC Standings and NCAA Tournament Implications

The victory for Texas had significant implications for both the SEC standings and the NCAA Tournament picture. With the win, the Longhorns improved to 24-2 overall and 10-1 in conference play. South Carolina, on the other hand, dropped to 17-1 and also held a 10-1 record in the SEC. The loss ended their remarkable 57-game SEC regular-season winning streak, which had dated back to 2021, marking the end of an era for the Gamecocks.

With both teams now tied at the top of the SEC standings, the race for the regular-season championship is wide open. As both teams look ahead to the rest of the SEC schedule, every game will be crucial in determining seeding for the NCAA Tournament and conference supremacy.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?

For Texas, this victory is an important statement win as they continue to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. The Longhorns will look to maintain their high level of play as they prepare for their next matchup against the University of Kentucky on February 13, 2025. With this win over South Carolina, Texas has proven that they are a legitimate contender for both the SEC title and the national championship.

South Carolina, despite the loss, remains a formidable team. They will need to regroup quickly, as they still have several tough matchups ahead in the SEC. Coach Dawn Staley will no doubt work on adjusting their offensive and defensive strategies to ensure the Gamecocks remain competitive as they head toward postseason play.

 A Classic Rivalry Renewed

The game between Texas and South Carolina on February 9, 2025, was a classic example of the excitement and intensity that defines women’s college basketball. The hard-fought victory by Texas showcased the talent, resilience, and teamwork required to defeat a team of South Carolina’s caliber. With the win, Texas not only earned a crucial victory in the SEC standings but also proved that they are one of the premier teams in the nation, capable of competing with anyone.

As the season continues, both teams will look to build on this thrilling encounter, with their eyes set on bigger prizes—conference championships and NCAA Tournament glory. The rivalry between Texas and South Carolina will undoubtedly continue to produce thrilling moments, and fans can expect more dramatic matchups in the future.