The Texas Longhorns stunned the South Carolina Gamecocks with a 66-62 victory on February 9, 2025, snapping South Carolina’s historic 57-game SEC winning streak. This loss ended a remarkable run for the Gamecocks, who had been dominant in the SEC. The Longhorns’ victory was a statement win, as they broke South Carolina’s record-setting streak in a high-intensity game in Austin.
The Gamecocks, who were riding high as the No. 2 ranked team in the nation, had not lost a regular-season SEC game in 17 straight games before this one, making the loss even more significant. Despite a valiant effort, including a final push in the closing minutes, South Carolina couldn’t complete a comeback.
This victory for Texas was not just a historic one; it also solidified the team’s strength and position in the rankings, proving their resilience against one of the best teams in women’s college basketball. The game showcased strong performances from both teams, but ultimately, Texas held its ground, making critical plays in the final moments to secure the victory.
Fans and analysts alike were left in awe of the Longhorns’ grit, while the Gamecocks’ impressive run will always be remembered as one of the greatest streaks in the history of SEC basketball.
The clash between the Texas Longhorns and the South Carolina Gamecocks on February 9, 2025, was more than just a regular season game—it was a historic moment that shook the college basketball world. The Longhorns’ 66-62 victory over the Gamecocks not only secured a major win for Texas but also ended South Carolina’s 57-game SEC winning streak, a run that had been one of the most impressive and talked-about streaks in women’s college basketball.
Setting the Stage
Entering this game, South Carolina had been dominant under head coach Dawn Staley, who had built a powerhouse that consistently outperformed its competition in the SEC. The Gamecocks were undefeated in SEC play, and their winning streak had set a new benchmark for excellence in the conference. Many experts and analysts pegged them as the team to beat, especially with their blend of athleticism, depth, and experience.
For the Longhorns, however, this game presented a rare opportunity to prove themselves. Ranked No. 4, Texas had been quietly building momentum under head coach Vic Schaefer, a former SEC coach who knew how to challenge the league’s elite teams. The Longhorns had been playing some of the best basketball of their season leading up to this game and were looking for a statement win to prove they could contend for the national title.
First Half: High Intensity from the Start
From the opening tip, the game was played at an intense pace, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess. South Carolina’s defense was as tough as ever, with Aliyah Boston patrolling the paint, making it difficult for Texas to get easy baskets inside. The Gamecocks were aggressive on defense, using their size and speed to disrupt Texas’ offensive sets early on. However, Texas was prepared. The Longhorns used a balanced attack that mixed up fast breaks with effective half-court sets, making it tough for South Carolina to get comfortable.
Rori Harmon, Texas’ standout point guard, set the tone for the Longhorns in the first half with her playmaking and ability to drive to the basket. Harmon was able to break down South Carolina’s defense and create opportunities for her teammates, contributing to the Longhorns’ early success. South Carolina’s defense did its best to clamp down on her, but Harmon was too quick and crafty to be contained.
Meanwhile, South Carolina’s Zia Cooke led the charge on offense, hitting several mid-range jumpers and threes, helping the Gamecocks stay in the game. Cooke’s ability to create her own shot was vital, but South Carolina struggled to find consistent scoring options beyond her, as Laeticia Amihere and Brea Beal were both having trouble finding their rhythm.
The first half ended with both teams in a deadlock, but it was clear that the Longhorns were not intimidated. They had played with poise and had managed to stay within striking distance, thanks to their balanced attack and efficient shooting. At the half, the score stood at 32-31 in favor of Texas, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
Second Half: The Battle for Supremacy
The second half began with South Carolina looking to assert itself, knowing the stakes of the game. Coach Staley made adjustments, and the Gamecocks came out aggressive, looking to take control. They relied on their defense to set up transition opportunities, and for a brief stretch, it appeared that they might pull away. Boston dominated the paint on both ends of the floor, blocking shots and cleaning the glass. Her presence was felt at every turn, and the Gamecocks regained a lead in the opening minutes of the second half.