On February 9, 2025, the Texas Longhorns achieved a historic 66-62 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks, ending their 57-game SEC winning streak. The matchup was one of the most anticipated games of the season, pitting two of the nation’s top-ranked teams against each other. Texas, ranked No. 4, stunned the No. 2 Gamecocks in a hard-fought contest that would go down as one of the defining moments of the year in women’s college basketball.
The Game Overview
The game took place in Austin, Texas, at the Frank Erwin Center, with both teams entering the contest in top form. South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, had been virtually unstoppable in SEC play, with an unbeaten streak that spanned over three years. Texas, however, came into the game as a worthy challenger, boasting a strong lineup and the confidence of an already impressive season.
From the tip-off, both teams delivered an incredibly competitive performance, and the game lived up to all the hype. While South Carolina’s dominant defense and the powerful presence of Aliyah Boston inside were expected to challenge Texas, the Longhorns’ well-balanced offense, led by Rori Harmon, made a statement early on.
First Half: A Tight Battle
The first half was filled with momentum swings as both teams demonstrated their strengths. South Carolina started with their usual suffocating defense, forcing the Longhorns to adjust to their fast-paced pressure. The Gamecocks’ Aliyah Boston was a key factor early on, providing critical blocks and rebounding, which kept Texas from getting easy shots in the paint. However, Texas was able to counter with a combination of fast breaks and spot-up shooting.
Rori Harmon, the Longhorns’ dynamic point guard, played a pivotal role in creating offense for her teammates. She was able to break down South Carolina’s defense, setting up scoring opportunities for Audrey Warren and Taylor Jones, who contributed timely baskets. Despite South Carolina’s defensive efforts, Harmon’s leadership and vision kept Texas competitive in the early going.
Zia Cooke, the Gamecocks’ standout guard, helped carry the offensive load for South Carolina with key shots and a few well-timed drives to the basket. She had moments where she found her rhythm and helped push South Carolina into the lead, but it was clear that the Longhorns weren’t intimidated. The first half ended with a slim edge for Texas, 32-31, marking the beginning of what would be a thrilling second half.
Second Half: Texas Stays Strong
Coming out of halftime, South Carolina’s defense was more aggressive, looking to capitalize on their size advantage and get back in control. But Texas’ defense held its ground and continued to frustrate the Gamecocks, particularly with their ability to shut down some of South Carolina’s perimeter shooting. With Laeticia Amihere and Brea Beal struggling to contribute offensively, the Gamecocks found themselves relying too heavily on Cooke and Boston, who couldn’t carry the team past the Longhorns’ determined defense.
The second half was marked by physicality, with both teams battling hard for every possession. South Carolina took a brief lead midway through the half, utilizing Boston’s presence in the paint and Cooke’s scoring ability. However, Texas answered every push South Carolina made, with Taylor Jones contributing crucial points inside and DeYona Gaston playing tough defense to slow down the Gamecocks’ offensive attack.
As the clock wound down, the tension was palpable. Texas had a slight lead, and South Carolina had several opportunities to tie the game. With under two minutes remaining, South Carolina trailed by just two points, 64-62, but failed to capitalize on their final chances. A critical turnover and missed shots sealed their fate, and Texas held on for the win.
Key Performances
- Rori Harmon led Texas with a well-rounded performance, finishing with 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. Her poise in the final minutes and ability to control the game’s tempo were pivotal in Texas’ success. She also hit clutch free throws down the stretch to keep South Carolina at bay.
- Aliyah Boston was South Carolina’s best player, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds, but her efforts weren’t enough to prevent the Gamecocks from falling short. Boston had a solid game but faced constant double-teams from Texas’ defense, limiting her effectiveness late in the game.
- Zia Cooke also played a major role for South Carolina, contributing 16 points. She made key shots during the game but could not hit the big one when it mattered most.
- Taylor Jones was a crucial contributor for Texas, scoring 12 points and grabbing several key rebounds. Her ability to get easy baskets in the paint made a significant difference in the outcome of the game.
- Audrey Warren played excellent defense and scored 10 points, providing a steadying influence for Texas when the game grew tense in the final moments.
Key Moments
- Critical Free Throws: With just seconds left, Texas made clutch free throws to seal the game. Harmon and Gaston were both perfect at the line in the game’s dying moments, keeping the Gamecocks from having a chance to tie or take the lead.
- Defensive Stops: Texas’ defense, particularly in the closing moments, was key to their victory. They forced South Carolina into several difficult shots in the final minutes, and DeYona Gaston’s timely block in the final seconds stood out as one of the game’s key defensive plays.
- South Carolina’s Missed Opportunities: The Gamecocks had several chances to either tie or take the lead late in the game. However, missed shots from Zia Cooke and a key turnover by Brea Beal allowed Texas to hold on.
Impact on Both Teams
The victory for Texas was a monumental one, not only because it ended South Carolina’s historic streak but also because it solidified their place as one of the top teams in the country. Coach Vic Schaefer and his team now have a massive win under their belts, and with Rori Harmon playing at an elite level, Texas has positioned itself as a serious contender for the national championship.
South Carolina, on the other hand, will need to regroup after this loss. While the defeat stings, it doesn’t take away from their overall success this season. The Gamecocks remain one of the top teams in women’s college basketball, and Dawn Staley’s squad will continue to be a favorite to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The loss is a reminder that even the most dominant teams can be vulnerable, and South Carolina will likely come back with a vengeance.