In a thrilling showdown between two of the nation’s top teams, No. 4 Texas handed No. 1 South Carolina its first loss of the season in a hard-fought 72-68 victory on Monday night at the Moody Center in Austin. The Longhorns, fueled by an electrifying home crowd, executed a dominant defensive performance and overcame a sluggish start to upset the Gamecocks, who had been undefeated and looked poised for another dominant campaign.
Texas Overcomes Early Struggles
The game began with South Carolina dictating the tempo, as the Gamecocks’ size and physicality in the paint posed early problems for Texas. Aliyah Boston, the reigning National Player of the Year, established herself in the post, scoring eight of her 20 points in the first quarter alone. South Carolina’s stifling defense forced Texas into early turnovers, and it appeared as if Dawn Staley’s squad was well on its way to another signature win.
However, Texas refused to fold. Led by standout guard Rori Harmon, the Longhorns clawed back in the second quarter, using aggressive perimeter defense to force the Gamecocks into uncharacteristic mistakes. Harmon, who finished with 18 points and six assists, spearheaded the comeback with timely baskets and relentless energy on defense. Texas outscored South Carolina 22-13 in the second frame, erasing an early deficit and taking a slim 34-32 lead into halftime.
Longhorns’ Defense Sparks Second-Half Surge
Coming out of the break, the Longhorns continued their defensive intensity, applying full-court pressure that disrupted South Carolina’s offensive rhythm. Texas head coach Vic Schaefer’s game plan was clear: limit South Carolina’s dominance in the paint and force them into tough perimeter shots. The strategy paid off, as South Carolina shot just 38% from the field in the second half, struggling to find clean looks against Texas’ relentless defense.
While Boston continued to be a force inside, finishing with 12 rebounds to go along with her 20 points, South Carolina’s backcourt faltered under pressure. The Gamecocks’ guards combined for just six field goals in the second half, and multiple costly turnovers allowed Texas to capitalize in transition. Forward DeYona Gaston was instrumental for Texas on both ends, finishing with 14 points and eight rebounds while contesting shots and battling on the boards.
Closing Moments and Key Plays
With under two minutes remaining, the game was deadlocked at 66-66. That’s when Texas’ freshman phenom Madison Booker stepped up, hitting a clutch three-pointer from the wing to give the Longhorns a three-point edge. South Carolina had multiple opportunities to respond but missed two critical free throws in the final minute.
On the ensuing possession, Harmon sealed the victory for Texas with a dazzling drive to the basket, converting a tough layup while drawing a foul. The three-point play sent the crowd into a frenzy and put the Longhorns ahead 72-68 with just 12 seconds remaining. A last-second three-point attempt by South Carolina’s Raven Johnson rimmed out, securing the monumental win for Texas.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
For Texas, this win is a major statement in their quest for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Longhorns showcased their depth, defensive tenacity, and ability to close out big games—key attributes for a championship contender. With Harmon continuing to emerge as one of the top guards in the nation, Texas looks poised to challenge for a Final Four spot come March.
On the other hand, South Carolina will look to regroup after suffering its first defeat. While the loss is a setback, the Gamecocks remain one of the most formidable teams in college basketball. Dawn Staley will undoubtedly use this game as a learning experience, particularly in addressing their struggles against defensive pressure and late-game execution. South Carolina will aim to bounce back quickly as SEC play heats up.
Conclusion
The victory for Texas not only shakes up the national rankings but also serves as a reminder that the road to the national championship will be anything but smooth for top teams. The Longhorns proved that they are a legitimate title contender, while South Carolina was given a dose of adversity that could fuel them moving forward. With March Madness looming in the distance, both teams will look to build off this thrilling battle in what could be a preview of another high-stakes showdown later in the season.
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