South Carolina Dominates Texas to Secure Spot in National Championship

TAMPA, Fla. — At long last, South Carolina has reached the pinnacle moment they strived for all season: a place in the national championship game, poised to make history. Though they got off to a sluggish start, the Gamecocks roared back with a commanding third quarter against Texas, sealing a 74-57 victory on Friday. This win marks their third appearance in the title game within just four years. Now, South Carolina aims to clinch back-to-back national championships for the first time in school history, an achievement last accomplished by UConn, who won four consecutive titles from 2013 to 2016. The celebration after the game was reserved, as South Carolina knows the ultimate goal remains just out of reach. “We understand this isn’t where we want to be,” said guard MiLaysia Fulwiley. “Cutting down those nets on Sunday is the real objective. We can’t get too excited about this win because we’re not done yet.”

South Carolina continued its dominance over Texas, leading the season series 3-1. Their previous postseason encounters, both in the SEC tournament championship and national semifinal, were similarly one-sided. Once again, the Gamecocks dismantled Texas’ formidable defense through swift transition plays, powerful points in the paint, and clutch 3-point shots, ensuring a comfortable triumph. Dawn Staley has maintained a perfect postseason record against Texas coach Vic Schaefer, standing 8-0.

After a few underwhelming performances in earlier NCAA tournament rounds, freshman Joyce Edwards displayed her remarkable talent with another standout game, showing up strong on both offense and defense. In Birmingham last week, Staley emphasized the need for increased contributions from Edwards for a national championship bid, simplifying her role to help her excel. The strategy paid off, as Edwards recorded a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, with an additional six assists. Edwards became the first bench player in the last 25 years to achieve such stats during a Final Four.

“She seemed composed, not rushed,” remarked Staley. “Her athleticism, strength, and straightforward drives were impressive today. Her game was admirably streamlined.” Previously, Edwards had only managed a total of 15 points over the past three games. Her teammates noticed her rising confidence. Feeling more assured, Edwards said, “I knew I could make a comeback and impact a win. I’m glad it happened today, just doing what the game required.”

It might have been senior Te-Hina Paopao who delivered a career-best performance. Paopao tallied 14 points, including sinking 3 of 4 attempts from beyond the arc, as Texas struggled to contain her. South Carolina’s game-defining moment came in the third quarter, outscoring Texas 20-9 and embarking on an 11-0 run that effectively sealed the victory. Though this was the turning point, the game began to slip from Texas’ grasp in the first half when Longhorns forward Madison Booker encountered early foul trouble.

South Carolina’s flat start shifted when Booker, the SEC Player of the Year, acquired her second foul with just over three minutes left in the first quarter. Texas led by five at that point, but South Carolina quickly responded, closing the quarter ahead. Booker returned with five minutes in the second quarter, helping Texas recover the lead. However, with 2:29 left before halftime, Booker drew her third foul, a first in her career during the first half, following a hard landing by Tessa Johnson. Booker and Schaefer disputed the call, exclaiming, “That’s a bad call!” despite replay indicating minimal contact.

Schaefer later stated he didn’t believe it warranted a foul, yet Booker admitted, “They had to call it,” explaining that from the officials’ angle, it seemed justified. “It was a foolish foul. I shouldn’t have gambled, should’ve let her catch it.” That sparked another South Carolina rally, transforming a two-point deficit into a three-point halftime lead. With Booker playing just nine minutes, her influential presence was evident. Texas performed significantly better with her on the court, holding a plus-eight advantage, versus a minus-11 when she was benched.

“Those were just foolish mental lapses,” Booker reflected. “It’s about mental toughness, recognizing the scenario you’re in.” At halftime, Fulwiley emphasized Booker’s foul trouble to teammates, advising, “Their best player has three fouls. Booker’s not focused. When you have three fouls, your mind’s not in the game.”

The slender lead allowed South Carolina to extend control, outscoring Texas 36-22 in the latter half. For Schaefer, leading Texas to the Final Four for the first time since 2003, it was another heartbreaking exit, leaving the Final Four for the third time without claiming the championship. For Staley and her Gamecocks, however, it represents another chance to carve their names into the annals of history.

“I’m glad we meshed perfectly at this crucial time,” said Bree Hall. “Many doubted us because we didn’t start strong in the tournament. But that’s the beauty of a team like ours. We can flip the switch in an instant. I’m relieved we did it today.”