South Carolina Women’s Basketball to Compete Against Texas in Final Four

In their three meetings this season, including the most recent in the SEC Tournament championship game, South Carolina proved to be a dominant force over Texas. In those matchups, six Gamecocks players averaged at least 7.5 points, while South Carolina‘s defense limited the Longhorns to just 53.7 points per game on 33.3% shooting.

The first clash came on January 12 in Columbia, where South Carolina triumphed 67-50. The Gamecocks built a commanding 17-point halftime lead, with their defense smothering the Longhorns, holding them to a mere 15.4% shooting in the opening quarter, setting the tone for the game.

In the February 9 rematch in Austin, Texas managed to edge out a 66-62 victory. Texas led by nine at halftime, but South Carolina battled back to tie the game at the end of the third quarter. However, Texas‘s sharp shooting in the final stretch secured the win.

“We learned and grew from every loss or setback,” said South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao. “I thought our perseverance was our heartbeat. We got tougher, and our toughness comes from going through battles together. I’m proud of this team, but we know the job isn’t done.”

Finally, in the SEC Tournament final on March 9, South Carolina dominated Texas in the second quarter with a 21-6 run, eventually sealing a 64-45 victory. This win marked their third straight and ninth overall SEC Tournament crown.