South Carolina Dominates Texas in Women’s College Basketball Showdown
In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, the South Carolina Gamecocks, ranked No. 2, showcased their dominance over the No. 5 Texas Longhorns with a decisive 67-50 victory. The game, held at the packed Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C., saw a sold-out crowd of 18,000 fans cheering on their home team.
Leading the charge for South Carolina were Te-Hina Paopao and Chloe Kitts, each contributing 11 points to the scoreboard. The Gamecocks, now boasting a 16-1 record and 4-0 in the SEC, have extended their winning streak to 11 games. This victory also marks them as the only team in the nation with 13 wins against Division I teams with winning records.
Adding to the Gamecocks’ impressive performance was Joyce Edwards, who chipped in 10 points. Meanwhile, Raven Johnson was a force on the boards, securing eight points and 10 rebounds. This win also improved coach Dawn Staley’s record to 14-3 against Texas coach Vic Shaefer, a testament to her strategic acumen.
On the other side of the court, Kyla Oldacre led the Longhorns with 11 points and an impressive 16 rebounds. Despite her efforts, Texas, now 16-2 and 3-1 in the SEC, saw their nine-game winning streak come to an end.
Preseason All-America guard Madison Booker faced a challenging game, limited to just seven points on 3-of-19 shooting. This was a stark contrast to her season average of 15.3 points per game, highlighting the Gamecocks’ defensive prowess.
Game Highlights
- South Carolina shot an impressive 71% from the field in the first half, establishing a commanding 39-22 lead.
- Madison Booker was held to 1-of-14 shooting from the field in the first half, a testament to South Carolina’s defensive strategy.
- The Gamecocks set the tone early, making their first four shots from the field and first three from the free throw line, quickly taking a 12-5 lead.
- Raven Johnson’s midrange jumper late in the second quarter extended the Gamecocks’ lead to 19 points.
While Booker struggled to find her rhythm, the Gamecocks were firing on all cylinders. Their early scoring spree set the stage for a game that was largely controlled by South Carolina from start to finish.
As the Gamecocks continue their impressive season, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how far this talented team can go. With a combination of strong leadership, strategic gameplay, and a deep roster, South Carolina is undoubtedly a team to watch in the coming weeks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN News Services
