No. 1 Texas Falls to No. 5 South Carolina in SEC Championship Game
In a stunning conclusion to the SEC Women’s Basketball Championship, the No. 1 Texas Longhorns were defeated by the No. 5 South Carolina Gamecocks, 64–45, yesterday. Despite entering the game as the top-ranked team in the nation, Texas was unable to overcome South Carolina’s dominant performance, falling short in nearly every aspect of the game.
The Longhorns struggled from the outset against a Gamecock squad that was not only playing with the advantage of a home crowd but also with the grit and intensity that has become synonymous with South Carolina basketball under head coach Dawn Staley. Texas, who had been cruising through the tournament, encountered a tough defensive battle that threw them off rhythm, shooting just under 30% from the field for the game.
Slow Start and a Tough Second Quarter
The first quarter saw the Longhorns keeping pace with the Gamecocks, but the momentum shifted in the second quarter, where Texas was held to a mere six points. South Carolina’s defensive pressure was suffocating, forcing the Longhorns into poor shooting decisions and limiting their offensive flow. The Gamecocks’ defense, led by standout players like Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, made it difficult for Texas to find any rhythm, forcing them into tough shots and frustrating the offense throughout the first half.
By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, Texas was already facing an uphill battle, trailing by 14 points, 34-20. The Longhorns simply could not find their offensive groove, and the Gamecocks took full advantage of the momentum, capitalizing on the opportunities created by turnovers and missed shots.
Turnovers and Offensive Rebounds Prove Costly
The Longhorns’ struggles were compounded by their inability to protect the ball. Texas committed 15 turnovers during the game, many of which came at inopportune moments. South Carolina, known for its ability to capitalize on mistakes, turned those turnovers into fast-break opportunities and easy baskets, putting even more pressure on Texas as the game wore on.
Another glaring issue for the Longhorns was their lack of success on the offensive glass. South Carolina controlled the boards, particularly in the second half, limiting Texas to just a few second-chance opportunities. Despite a solid effort from Texas’ Rory Harmon and Taylor Jones, the Gamecocks were able to out-rebound the Longhorns, particularly on the offensive end, where they grabbed multiple key rebounds that led to crucial putbacks and extra possessions.
South Carolina’s Dominance in the Paint
The Gamecocks, led by Aliyah Boston, dominated the paint throughout the contest. Boston, who has been one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball, showcased her inside presence, finishing with a double-double and making an impact on both ends of the floor. Her ability to clean up on the boards, block shots, and score in the post was pivotal in South Carolina’s victory.
Zia Cooke also played a crucial role for the Gamecocks, adding scoring and energy in transition. Cooke’s ability to attack the rim and knock down key shots kept Texas on its heels and contributed to South Carolina’s offensive success.
Texas’ Struggles on Offense
On the offensive end, the Longhorns simply couldn’t find a rhythm. Rory Harmon, who had been stellar for Texas all season, struggled to find her usual offensive efficiency. The South Carolina defense, which has been one of the best in the nation, kept her from getting to the basket and forced the Longhorns to settle for contested shots from the outside. With their offensive flow disrupted, Texas could not mount any consistent runs to get back into the game.
The Longhorns were also unable to generate much from their perimeter shooting. Aaliyah Moore and Deja Kelly found limited success, with Kelly particularly struggling to find space against the suffocating South Carolina defense. The result was a lackluster offensive performance that left the Longhorns scrambling to stay in the game.
South Carolina Secures the Championship
South Carolina’s win marks their second SEC Championship in recent years, and it’s a testament to the program’s growth and success under Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks were relentless in their approach, showing why they are one of the most feared teams in the nation. With Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke leading the charge, they were simply too much for the Longhorns to handle.
The Gamecocks now shift their focus to the NCAA Tournament, where they are expected to be a top contender for the national title. For Texas, the loss is a tough one, but they will look to regroup and reset as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament as well. While they came into the SEC Championship as the No. 1 ranked team, the defeat to South Carolina highlights areas of their game they’ll need to address—namely protecting the basketball, improving rebounding, and finding more offensive consistency.
Looking Ahead
For Texas, this loss will serve as a valuable learning experience as they head into the NCAA Tournament, where they will need to play at a higher level to compete for a national championship. The Longhorns have the talent and depth to rebound from this setback, but they will need to fix the issues that were exposed against South Carolina—namely, their struggles against elite defenses and their inability to handle pressure.
As for South Carolina, they head into March Madness with confidence, knowing they can beat the best teams in the country. The Gamecocks have shown all season that they are a well-balanced, disciplined team capable of both offensive and defensive dominance. Their performance in the SEC Championship was a statement, and it’s clear they’re ready to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
In the end, while Texas may have fallen short in the SEC Championship, both teams have plenty to look forward to as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament. With the loss, Texas will regroup and refocus, while South Carolina will continue to ride their momentum as one of the top teams in women’s college basketball.