South Carolina makes a statement with a victory over Texas

No. 2 South Carolina evened its season series with SEC rival No. 4 Texas, securing a hard-fought 68-65 win in Columbia. The Gamecocks created some separation on a 3-pointer by Madina Okot with 3:32 left in the fourth quarter, turning it into a two-possession game. Raven Johnson delivered the dagger, spinning free in the low post for a layup that extended the lead to 64-59 with 1:07 remaining.

She sealed the win with a floater in the lane, restoring a five-point edge at 66-61 with 23.1 seconds left. The game was a defensive struggle marked by frequent turnovers. Texas had 22, and South Carolina had 20. Rori Harmon led the Longhorns with three steals, while Joyce Edwards matched that total for the Gamecocks. Texas' defeat was their second straight, following a 70-65 loss at No. 12 LSU on Sunday. Before this, Coach Vic Schaefer's team won 17 consecutive games after a loss and started the season 18-0. Edwards led South Carolina with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals (though she had 6 turnovers).

Tessa Johnson added 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting (3-of-4 from beyond the arc). Ta'Niya Latson contributed 12 points, as five Gamecocks scored in double figures to improve their record to 18-1. Madison Booker led Texas with a game-high 24 points and 5 rebounds, totaling 40 points across her two matchups with South Carolina. Rori Harmon added 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Jordan Lee was the only other Longhorn in double figures with 10 points