South Carolina Advances to National Championship Game with Dominant Win Over Texas

TAMPA, Fla. -- The South Carolina Gamecocks have achieved a remarkable feat, securing their place in the national championship game for the third time in four years. This achievement is a culmination of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, marking a significant moment in the team's season.

In a thrilling semifinal match against the Texas Longhorns, South Carolina showcased their resilience, overcoming a sluggish start to dominate the third quarter decisively. The Gamecocks emerged victorious, clinching a 74-57 win that propels them to the championship showdown on Sunday. This game presents an opportunity for South Carolina to make history by attempting to repeat as national champions for the first time.

Sunday's championship game will see South Carolina face off against the formidable UConn Huskies, who easily defeated UCLA 85-51 in the other semifinal. UConn is renowned for their championship pedigree, having previously won four consecutive titles from 2013 to 2016. The stakes are high, but the Gamecocks are determined to leave a lasting legacy.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere following their win, the Gamecocks maintained a measured perspective. Guard MiLaysia Fulwiley articulated the team's focus, stating, “We understand that this is not where we want to be. We want to be cutting down those nets Sunday when it matters. We can't really get too happy about this win because we're not there yet.” This reflects the team's unwavering commitment to their ultimate goal.

Throughout the season, South Carolina has demonstrated their superiority over Texas, winning the season series 3-1. Their previous two postseason encounters—including the SEC tournament championship and this national semifinal—highlighted their dominance. The Gamecocks effectively dismantled Texas's renowned defense with a combination of swift transition plays, strong points in the paint, and timely three-point shooting, ensuring a comfortable victory.

Head Coach Dawn Staley's record against Texas's coach, Vic Schaefer, improved to an impressive 8-0 in postseason matchups, further emphasizing the strategic prowess of the South Carolina program.

One of the standout performers in this semifinal was freshman Joyce Edwards. After struggling to find her rhythm in earlier rounds, Edwards proved her potential by contributing significantly on both ends of the court. With 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, she made history by becoming the first player in 25 years to record at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists off the bench in a Final Four game.

Coach Staley praised Edwards for her composed performance, noting, “I thought she took her time. She didn’t seem pressed. She uses her athleticism, her strength and her ability to direct line drive. Her game was very lean today, and we love to see that.” In previous tournament games, she had only totaled 15 points, making this performance a crucial turning point for both her and the team.

Alongside Edwards, senior Te-Hina Paopao also shone, scoring 14 points and hitting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, while Texas struggled to contain her offensive prowess. The turning point of the game was notably in the third quarter, where South Carolina outscored Texas 20-9, including an 11-0 run that effectively sealed the Longhorns' fate.

The game took a pivotal turn early on when Texas forward Madison Booker found herself in foul trouble, impacting her team’s performance significantly. With South Carolina initially appearing flat, Texas took an early five-point lead, but that shifted dramatically once Booker picked up her second foul with just over three minutes left in the first quarter. The Gamecocks capitalized on her absence, closing out the quarter strong and gaining momentum.

Booker’s return to the game was short-lived, as she soon picked up her third foul—marking a rare occurrence in her career. Despite her frustration, she acknowledged the necessity of the call, reflecting a level of maturity and understanding of the game's dynamics. Booker stated, “They had to call it. It kind of looked bad from her angle, so I respect it. That’s a dumb foul. I should have let her catch it. I was going for a gamble.”

With Booker sidelined, South Carolina was able to rally, turning a two-point deficit into a three-point lead by halftime. The Gamecocks continued to build their momentum, outscoring Texas 36-22 in the second half, showcasing their capability to control the game.

For Coach Vic Schaefer, this loss marks a painful end to another national semifinal, as he returns home without the coveted title for the third time in his coaching career. In contrast, Coach Staley and her Gamecocks are now gearing up for another opportunity to etch their names into history.

Reflecting on the team's resilience, guard Bree Hall remarked, “I feel like a lot of people were doubting us because we weren't right at the beginning of the tournament. But that's the beautiful thing about a team like this. We can turn it on immediately. I'm glad we turned it on today.” The anticipation for the championship game is palpable, as both teams prepare to battle for the ultimate prize.