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In a season marked by historic milestones and shifting power dynamics, the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team delivered a statement win that reverberated across the college basketball landscape. On Sunday, February 9, 2025, the Longhorns defeated the No. 2-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks 66–62 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. This victory not only ended South Carolina’s 57-game Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season winning streak but also drew a peak television audience of 1.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched women’s basketball game on ESPN platforms for the 2024–25 season .University of Texas Athletics+1Houston Chronicle+1Swish Appeal+2SI+2On3+2
The matchup was strategically scheduled as a lead-in to Super Bowl LIX, providing a prime opportunity for women’s college basketball to capture a broader audience. Texas capitalized on this exposure, showcasing a blend of tenacity, skill, and strategic execution that captivated viewers nationwide. The Longhorns’ performance was anchored by sophomore forward Madison Booker, who recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 20 points and 11 rebounds . Her leadership on the court was instrumental in Texas’s ability to control the game’s tempo and maintain composure during critical moments.University of Texas Athletics+3University of Texas Athletics+3On3+3
Complementing Booker’s efforts were significant contributions from centers Kyla Oldacre and Taylor Jones. Oldacre added 13 points and six rebounds, while Jones contributed 11 points and four steals. Their dominance in the paint was evident as Texas outscored South Carolina 40–26 in that area and secured a 42–35 advantage in rebounds . This physicality and control of the interior were pivotal in disrupting South Carolina’s offensive rhythm and establishing Texas’s presence early in the game.On3+5Houston Chronicle+5Swish Appeal+5University of Texas AthleticsESPN.com+1Swish Appeal+1
The game’s progression saw Texas leading 36–27 at halftime, a testament to their defensive prowess and efficient shooting. South Carolina, known for their resilience, mounted a comeback to tie the game at 49–49 entering the fourth quarter. However, Texas responded with poise, highlighted by Oldacre’s back-to-back baskets that extended their lead to 64–59 with just over two minutes remaining. Senior guard Rori Harmon then sealed the victory by sinking two crucial free throws with 10.8 seconds left, ensuring the Longhorns’ triumph .On3+1University of Texas Athletics+1University of Texas Athletics+5University of Texas Athletics+5Houston Chronicle+5University of Texas Athletics+4ESPN.com+4University of Texas Athletics+4
This victory was particularly significant as it marked Texas’s first win over South Carolina since 2005 and only their third in the series history . Moreover, it ended the Gamecocks’ SEC regular-season winning streak that had persisted since December 2021, underscoring the magnitude of Texas’s achievement . The win also propelled Texas into a tie with South Carolina and LSU atop the SEC standings, each holding a 10–1 conference record at that point in the season .University of Texas AthleticsOn3+2ESPN.com+2Swish Appeal+2Houston Chronicle+1ESPN.com+1
Beyond the immediate implications for conference standings, the game’s substantial viewership highlighted the growing interest in women’s college basketball. The 1.3 million peak audience not only set a season-high for ESPN’s women’s basketball broadcasts but also demonstrated the sport’s expanding reach and appeal . South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley acknowledged this development, stating, “Quite honestly, we’re it right now. Women’s basketball is it right now. … They’re not gonna put just any women’s game on to be a prelude to the Super Bowl. They put it on because they know the ratings will be there” .Sports Media WatchSI+2SI+2On3+2On3+1SI+1
The Longhorns’ victory and the game’s high viewership are indicative of a broader trend in women’s sports, where increased visibility and competitive parity are attracting larger audiences. Texas’s performance, characterized by strategic execution and resilience, serves as a blueprint for success in high-stakes matchups.
