South Carolina Loses to Texas for the First Time Since 2021 in the SEC Regular Season

The Context: A Clash of Two Basketball Titans

On February 9, 2025, the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks traveled to Austin, Texas, for an intense battle against the No. 4 Texas Longhorns. The contest held monumental significance, not only for the two teams but also for the broader SEC standings and the landscape of NCAA women’s basketball. South Carolina entered the game on a historic run, having won 57 consecutive SEC regular-season games, a streak dating back to 2021. Texas, on the other hand, had proven itself to be a formidable force in women’s basketball, boasting a 23-2 record and ranked as the No. 4 team in the nation. A win for either team would solidify their claim as a top contender, but for South Carolina, it was about maintaining their dominance in the SEC.

The game was more than just a contest between two high-ranking teams; it was a battle for supremacy in the SEC, with both teams fighting to stay atop the standings. At the time of the game, South Carolina, Texas, and LSU were all within striking distance of each other, with the Gamecocks leading the charge. South Carolina’s streak of dominance had been a defining feature of the SEC for nearly two years, but this game presented the first real challenge to their reign since they had set foot in the league. A loss to Texas would mark the end of a streak that had become a symbol of South Carolina’s supremacy in college basketball.

First Half: A Strong Start by Texas

As the game began, it was clear that both teams were prepared to leave everything on the court. Texas came out of the gates with a level of intensity and focus that would prove to be a defining characteristic of the game. The Longhorns played with a sense of urgency, knowing that this was their chance to prove that they could compete with—and beat—the very best in the nation. The first quarter was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging baskets, but Texas edged out South Carolina, ending the period with an 18-16 lead.

The second quarter was where Texas began to assert itself more confidently. The Longhorns outscored South Carolina 18-11, increasing their lead to 36-27 at halftime. This was due in large part to the strong performances of several key players. Madison Booker was an early standout, contributing valuable points and rebounds. She had been one of Texas’ most consistent performers throughout the season, and her presence in the paint was felt early on. The Longhorns’ defense also played a pivotal role in the second quarter. Their ability to limit South Carolina’s scoring options and force turnovers helped them build a lead, and Texas entered the locker room feeling good about their chances of pulling off the upset.

South Carolina’s Resilience: The Third Quarter Turnaround

Despite the sizable deficit, South Carolina was not about to let this game slip away easily. As the third quarter began, the Gamecocks showed the heart and resilience that had made them so dominant over the last two seasons. South Carolina began to heat up offensively, relying on their outside shooting to chip away at the Texas lead. MiLaysia Fulwiley, a key scorer for the Gamecocks, started to assert herself more in the offense, and her ability to hit timely shots kept South Carolina in striking distance. By the end of the third quarter, South Carolina had successfully erased most of the deficit, tying the game at 49-49.

The Gamecocks’ outside shooting proved to be a crucial element of their comeback. They were able to hit three 3-pointers in the third quarter, a facet of their game that had not been as prominent in the first half. The Longhorns, who had been effective at limiting South Carolina’s perimeter shooting earlier in the game, began to show cracks in their defense. South Carolina’s ability to capitalize on these opportunities shifted the momentum in their favor, and by the time the buzzer sounded to signal the end of the third quarter, the game was all tied up.

Fourth Quarter: Texas’ Defensive Masterclass and Key Performances

As the game entered its final 10 minutes, it was clear that both teams were locked in for an all-out battle for the win. However, it was Texas’ defense that ultimately made the difference in the fourth quarter. The Longhorns showed a level of intensity that seemed to stifle South Carolina’s offense. The Gamecocks struggled to get into a rhythm, and their shooting percentage plummeted in the final period.

Texas’ defense was led by Rori Harmon, who played with an intensity that seemed to rattle the Gamecocks. Harmon, known for her defensive prowess, was able to disrupt South Carolina’s offense, particularly in the final minutes when the Gamecocks were desperately trying to get back into the game. She was a key contributor to the Longhorns’ ability to limit South Carolina’s options in the fourth quarter, forcing them into tough shots and preventing them from getting clean looks at the basket.

Meanwhile, Kyla Oldacre emerged as the unsung hero for Texas in the fourth quarter. She scored eight crucial points during this period, providing the necessary offensive spark for the Longhorns when they needed it most. Oldacre’s clutch shooting and ability to create offense in critical moments were invaluable, as she kept Texas ahead as South Carolina tried to mount a comeback.

In the final moments of the game, with Texas holding a slim lead, it was Rori Harmon who sealed the victory for the Longhorns. With just seconds remaining, Harmon calmly sank two free throws to put Texas up by four points. South Carolina had one final possession, but the Longhorns’ defense held firm, ensuring that the Gamecocks’ final shot attempt would fall short. The buzzer sounded, and Texas had emerged victorious, defeating South Carolina 66-62.

Player Performances and Key Moments

The standout player of the game was Madison Booker, who had an exceptional all-around performance. Booker finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds, securing her fifth double-double of the season. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor was crucial to Texas’ success. Whether it was scoring in the paint or grabbing key rebounds, Booker played a significant role in keeping the Longhorns in the game and ultimately helping them secure the win.

Kyla Oldacre’s 13 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, were instrumental in Texas’ victory. Her ability to step up in critical moments showcased her clutch gene and her importance to the team. Additionally, Rori Harmon’s performance—while not filled with flashy numbers—was pivotal. Her defensive presence and two late free throws were the difference in securing the win for the Longhorns.

For South Carolina, MiLaysia Fulwiley was their top performer, finishing with 13 points. Despite her best efforts, including scoring six of those points in the fourth quarter, she could not carry the Gamecocks over the finish line. Joyce Edwards and Chloe Kitts contributed solid performances, adding nine points each, but it was not enough to overcome Texas’ defensive adjustments in the second half.

The Aftermath: Impact on SEC and National Landscape

This loss was significant for South Carolina in more ways than one. Not only did it end their 57-game SEC regular-season win streak, but it also placed a huge dent in their quest to remain atop the SEC standings. With the defeat, South Carolina now shares the top spot in the SEC with Texas and LSU, each boasting a 10-1 record in conference play. This opens up the SEC race, and with just a few weeks remaining in the regular season, every game now becomes critical.

For Texas, the victory was a statement win. It proved that they could compete with and beat the best in the nation. The win over South Carolina not only gave them a tie for the SEC lead but also bolstered their position in the national rankings. Texas’ defense, particularly in the second half, was a testament to the growth of this program under their head coach. With March Madness looming, the Longhorns have positioned themselves as a legitimate threat to claim a national championship.

For South Carolina, the loss serves as a reminder that no team can dominate forever. While the Gamecocks are still a force to be reckoned with, their perfect season is no more, and their path to an SEC title is now more uncertain than it has been in years. The loss will likely motivate South Carolina to regroup and refocus as they look ahead to the rest of the regular season and the postseason.

Looking Forward: A New Chapter in SEC Basketball

The SEC, once dominated by South Carolina, is now in a state of flux. The Gamecocks’ loss to Texas has shaken up the conference standings and set the stage for an exciting finish to the season. With LSU, Texas, and South Carolina all tied atop the standings, it will be fascinating to see how the rest of the SEC season unfolds.

Both South Carolina and Texas will now have to fight tooth and nail to maintain their position at the top of the standings. With LSU also in the mix, the SEC championship is very much up for grabs. March Madness is just around the corner, and this loss could be the spark that fuels South Carolina’s pursuit of redemption. For Texas, it’s a chance to continue proving that they are one of the elite teams in the country, and their victory over South Carolina has made a statement that they are ready to take on anyone.

In conclusion, the loss to Texas marked a turning point in South Carolina’s storied run in the SEC. It ended an impressive streak and reset expectations for the remainder of the season. The game was a thrilling contest that showcased the high level of competition in women’s college basketball, and with both teams still vying for top honors, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the season.