On February 9, 2025, No. 4 Texas delivered a stunning 66-62 victory over No. 2 South Carolina, ending the Gamecocks’ historic 57-game SEC winning streak. The game was a highly anticipated clash of two of the nation’s top teams and did not disappoint, providing high drama, intense moments, and a historic finish that will be remembered for years.
The Streak and the Stakes
The South Carolina Gamecocks had been the gold standard in SEC women’s basketball for years under the leadership of coach Dawn Staley. Their dominance had been so consistent that they had not lost a regular-season SEC game in over three years, compiling an astonishing 57-game winning streak in conference play. As the top-ranked team in the SEC and one of the best in the nation, the Gamecocks entered the game against Texas with a clear target on their backs.
For Texas, the game was an opportunity to prove that they were more than just a top contender in the Big 12—they were capable of beating the best, and that includes toppling a juggernaut like South Carolina. The Longhorns had been building momentum throughout the season, and with their rank as the No. 4 team in the country, they were poised to challenge South Carolina for supremacy.
First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle
From the start, the game was electric. South Carolina came out aggressive, looking to impose its will on both ends of the floor. Aliyah Boston, the Gamecocks’ dominant post player, was the centerpiece of their offense, controlling the paint with her size and strength. Boston’s rebounding presence was vital for South Carolina, as she pulled down multiple key boards and converted inside. However, the Longhorns showed resilience in the early minutes of the game, using a well-balanced offensive attack to keep the score close.
The Longhorns’ Rori Harmon was the star of the first half, handling the ball with poise and dishing out assists. She was able to break down South Carolina’s defense and find open shooters, including Audrey Warren and Taylor Jones, who both stepped up with key contributions. Texas displayed great patience, executing their offense efficiently while preventing South Carolina from going on a prolonged run.
The teams traded blows throughout the first half, with both offenses making plays and defenses providing resistance. Texas did a great job of neutralizing some of the Gamecocks’ shooters, limiting Zia Cooke’s impact on the game, and forcing South Carolina to work hard for every basket. The first half ended with Texas holding a slim 32-31 lead, a surprising result given South Carolina’s dominance over the past few years.
Second Half: Texas Holds On
As the second half began, South Carolina came out with the intent to regain control of the game. Dawn Staley’s adjustments, especially on the defensive end, were meant to slow down Texas’ fast-paced offense and stymie their playmakers. For a brief period, South Carolina’s defense seemed to have the upper hand. They forced a few turnovers and capitalized on fast breaks, taking a small lead midway through the second half.
However, the Longhorns were not deterred. Led by Harmon and a few key performances from DeYona Gaston and Taylor Jones, Texas weathered the storm and managed to stay within striking distance. The game’s momentum shifted multiple times, but the Longhorns kept answering every South Carolina surge with grit and determination. Harmon’s leadership was on full display as she orchestrated key possessions, and her free throws down the stretch proved to be crucial in maintaining Texas’ slim lead.
South Carolina, despite their best efforts, found themselves struggling to execute in the final moments. They had a chance to tie the game in the final two minutes, but missed opportunities and defensive breakdowns hindered their efforts. Zia Cooke—who had been one of South Carolina’s most reliable players all season—missed a key shot that could have tied the game. The Gamecocks were also unable to get enough stops on defense, allowing Texas to secure timely baskets.
With only a few seconds left, Texas was able to hold on to their narrow lead, and the Gamecocks’ last-ditch efforts fell short. When the final buzzer sounded, Texas had claimed the 66-62 victory, ending South Carolina’s record-breaking streak and sending shockwaves throughout the college basketball world.
Key Players and Performances
- Rori Harmon was instrumental in Texas’ win, finishing with 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. She was not only the playmaker for the Longhorns but also made critical contributions in the clutch, hitting free throws and making plays when her team needed them most.
- Aliyah Boston had another stellar performance for South Carolina, registering 12 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the loss. While she dominated in the paint, she was unable to carry her team to victory in the final minutes.
- Zia Cooke had a solid game, contributing 16 points, but was inconsistent in the second half and could not hit key shots in the final moments.
- Taylor Jones and Audrey Warren provided the necessary support for Texas, combining for 21 points and several key rebounds. Jones in particular gave the Longhorns much-needed scoring down low, making it difficult for South Carolina to guard her.
- DeYona Gaston also came up big for Texas, providing timely defense, including a crucial block in the final minutes.
The Impact on the SEC and NCAA Tournament
This loss will be a tough pill to swallow for South Carolina, but they are still one of the most talented teams in the country. Dawn Staley’s squad has the experience and depth to bounce back from this defeat and refocus on their ultimate goal—the NCAA Tournament. While the loss was historic, it doesn’t diminish South Carolina’s ability to win championships, and they remain one of the top contenders.
For Texas, the win is a massive statement. It not only ended South Carolina’s streak but also cemented their place as one of the top teams in the country. Vic Schaefer’s squad now has a major victory under their belt, and with Rori Harmon playing at an elite level, they will be a team to watch come March Madness. The Longhorns will likely climb in the rankings, and their victory over South Carolina positions them as legitimate championship contenders.
Looking Ahead
As both teams move forward, the focus will shift to the final stretch of the regular season. For South Carolina, they will need to regroup and maintain their focus on winning the SEC title. The Gamecocks have plenty of talent, and they are more than capable of continuing their dominant season despite this setback.
For Texas, this victory provides the confidence they need to make a serious run at the national title. Their win over South Carolina proves they can compete with the best in the country, and they’ll need to build on that momentum as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament.
The Texas Longhorns’ 66-62 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks will be remembered as one of the most significant wins in program history. Ending a 57-game SEC winning streak is no small feat, and Texas showed that they can compete at the highest level. The game was a thrilling contest that highlighted the talent, coaching, and resilience of both teams.
While South Carolina’s streak is over, their championship aspirations are far from dashed. They remain one of the most dangerous teams in women’s college basketball. Texas, on the other hand, is now firmly in the conversation for national title contenders, with Rori Harmon leading the way. Both teams will look to build on this game as they head toward the postseason, where anything is possible.