The South Carolina Gamecocks punched their ticket to the NCAA women’s basketball national championship game after an impressive 74-57 win over the Texas Longhorns on April 4, 2025. The game, held in Tampa, Florida, was part of the Women’s Final Four and showcased South Carolina’s dominance on both ends of the court, further solidifying their place as one of the top programs in college basketball.
The matchup began with early momentum in favor of Texas, who came out strong and jumped to a 10-2 lead. The Longhorns applied early pressure with solid execution, creating a brief moment of concern for South Carolina. However, the Gamecocks quickly regrouped and found their rhythm. Their defensive intensity increased, and they began executing more efficiently on offense, closing the gap and eventually overtaking Texas.
The turning point of the game came during the third quarter. After a relatively even first half, South Carolina elevated its play after halftime, outscoring Texas 20-9 in the third period. This stretch was crucial in shifting the game’s momentum entirely in South Carolina’s favor. They tightened their defense, forced Texas into mistakes, and capitalized on the offensive end with smart shot selection and strong rebounding. That dominant third quarter created a lead that the Gamecocks would not relinquish for the rest of the game.
Several individual performances stood out for South Carolina. Te-Hina Paopao led the way in scoring with 14 points, delivering in key moments and helping to maintain the offensive rhythm. Freshman standout Joyce Edwards also played a critical role, contributing a well-rounded performance with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists—earning her a double-double and underscoring her all-around impact. Edwards’ energy and versatility were key factors in maintaining South Carolina’s edge throughout the game.
One of the most significant aspects of the Gamecocks’ performance was their depth. The bench played a major role, contributing 35 of the team’s 74 points. This level of production from the reserves highlights the strength and balance of the roster, allowing head coach Dawn Staley to rotate players without sacrificing effectiveness. The fresh legs off the bench helped maintain a high level of intensity, especially on defense, which wore down the Longhorns over the course of the game.
Defensively, South Carolina delivered one of their most disciplined performances of the season. They were particularly effective in containing Texas star Madison Booker, holding her to just 11 points. Booker, one of the Longhorns’ leading scorers, was hampered by early foul trouble and found it difficult to find her rhythm against South Carolina’s relentless defense. The Gamecocks made it a priority to limit her touches and force Texas into less efficient offensive options.
This win propels South Carolina into their second straight national title game appearance and the third in the past four years under head coach Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks have become a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, consistently competing at the highest level. They are now aiming to secure back-to-back championships—a feat last accomplished by the UConn Huskies between 2013 and 2016.
Awaiting South Carolina in the championship will be the winner of the other semifinal between UCLA and UConn. With the final set for Sunday, the Gamecocks will be focused on preparation and recovery, looking to close out their historic season with another national title. Their performance against Texas sends a clear message: South Carolina remains the team to beat in women’s college basketball.
