End of the drought: South Carolina secures first SEC win, defeats Texas to snap 13-game losing streak

South Carolina has had a grueling 54 days, marked by 13 consecutive losses and close calls with six of those defeats coming by five points or less. Saturday, however, offered a break in their painful streak as the Gamecocks finally found victory.

With an 84-69 triumph over Texas, the Gamecocks (11-16, 1-13 SEC) secured their first win since Dec. 30, 2024, when they beat Presbyterian, capping off non-conference play. It also marks their first SEC win since March 9, 2024, when they bested Mississippi State 93-89. More importantly, they avoided joining the ranks of teams like 2018-19 Vanderbilt and 2023-24 Missouri, who ended their seasons winless in SEC play.

How It Happened

Despite the struggles of the previous losses, South Carolina put together one of its best first halves of the season. The Gamecocks shot just 38.7% from the field but made up for it with a defensive performance that suffocated Texas offensively. The Longhorns could only manage 8-of-29 shooting (29.6%) in the first half, including a mere 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. South Carolina even went on an 8-0 run early, shutting out Texas for nearly five minutes.

Head coach Lamont Paris had been advocating for Collin Murray-Boyles to take on more of a scoring role, and the junior delivered. Murray-Boyles posted 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the first half alone, and added three blocked shots for good measure. He finished with 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Jordan Butler also made his presence known with a block of his own.

The Gamecocks’ offense showed discipline, committing just two turnovers in the first half. They also took full advantage of free throw opportunities, shooting a remarkable 14-for-16. As the first half wound down, South Carolina capped a strong final stretch with an 8-0 run in the last 1:24, heading into halftime with a commanding 18-point lead. The 22 points allowed by the Gamecocks in the first half marked their lowest against an SEC opponent this season.

Despite the strong first half, there was still uncertainty over how the second half would unfold, given the time left on the clock. But South Carolina came out of the break firing, quickly extending their lead to 20 points. Texas couldn’t muster much of a comeback for several minutes, but with under six minutes remaining, they found some rhythm, making eight of their last 10 field goals and launching an 11-1 run that brought them within 12 points.

With South Carolina still holding a double-digit lead, Texas resorted to fouling, adding to the growing pile of fouls called on both teams. Still, it didn’t affect the Gamecocks’ momentum, and they held on for the victory.

Two Key Takeaways

1. Let CMB cook: Collin Murray-Boyles showed why he needed to take charge. While his unselfish nature had previously been evident, his performance Saturday, particularly in the first half, was exactly what the Gamecocks needed. He led the team with 22 points and 8 rebounds in just 27 minutes, becoming a dominant force for South Carolina.
2. Finally Got It Done: It’s been a tough stretch for the Gamecocks, but Saturday’s win, even if it’s their only one in SEC play this year, felt like a much-needed reward after the prolonged losing streak. It’s a well-earned sense of relief for both the players and coaches.

Key Stat

South Carolina’s 34-for-45 performance at the free throw line (75.6%) stood out as a crucial part of their victory. While they weren’t shooting at their best from the field, their aggressive play earned them multiple trips to the line, and their high free-throw percentage helped them maintain control of the game.

Turning Point

One of the game’s early defining moments came when South Carolina’s defense held Texas to just 22 points in the first half. That lockdown defense allowed them to build a 40-22 lead, and despite Texas’ late charge, the Gamecocks’ defense kept them comfortably ahead.

Up Next

South Carolina will travel to face No. 15 Missouri on Tuesday night. The game will tip off at 9 p.m. ET, airing on SEC Network.