Longhorns Vs Gamecocks: Texas Snaps South Carolina’s 57-Game SEC Streak

AUSTIN, Texas — It was a moment that felt like fate. One month after getting completely outplayed by South Carolina, Longhorns vs Gamecocks became a showdown for redemption. Texas took the court on Sunday with something to prove, and they did just that, grinding out a 66-62 win over the No. 2 Gamecocks, snapping their incredible 57-game SEC regular-season win streak.

For Texas, this wasn’t just another game. It was a shot at redemption, a statement to the rest of the country that they belong in the championship conversation. And for head coach Vic Schaefer, it was proof that belief and toughness can go a long way.

His assistant coach, Elena Lovato, saw it coming.

“She looked at me and said, ‘We will beat them in a month,’” Schaefer said after the game. “And that’s God’s honest truth.”

Turns out, she was right.

A Game of Grit and Redemption

When these two teams faced off a month ago, Texas didn’t stand a chance. They shot a miserable 28% from the field, couldn’t get anything going offensively, and got run out of the gym by a South Carolina team that looked unstoppable.

Sunday was a different story.

Texas came out with intensity, shot a much-improved 44% from the floor, and made South Carolina work for every single point. More importantly, the Longhorns dominated the paint, outscoring the Gamecocks 40-26 down low and winning the rebounding battle 42-35.

“It took tremendous toughness to win that game,” Schaefer said. “They earned it. I don’t have to tell you how good that team is we played today. In my mind, they’re still the No. 1 team in the country.”

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It wasn’t easy, though. South Carolina fought hard until the very end, and it took two clutch free throws from Rori Harmon in the final seconds to officially seal the deal.

Madison Booker Leads the Way

The biggest difference this time around? Sophomore star Madison Booker.

In the first matchup, she had a nightmare of a game, shooting just 3-of-19. But this time, she stepped up when it mattered most, finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Even when her shot wasn’t falling—she went 7-of-22—she found other ways to contribute. Her late-game rebounding and defensive plays helped Texas hold on when South Carolina was making its final push.

“It’s my job to rebound,” Booker said. “I should be down there.”

That kind of mentality is what makes her so valuable to Texas. Originally a small forward, she had to shift to point guard last season after Harmon’s knee injury. Then, when power forward Aaliyah Moore got hurt, Booker stepped up again, playing bigger inside and helping Texas control the boards.

“She was a beast on the boards,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said, acknowledging Booker’s impact.

Source: Texas ends South Carolina’s 57-game SEC regular-season win streak

Texas’ Frontcourt Dominates

Texas also got huge contributions from their frontcourt duo of Taylor Jones and Kyla Oldacre. The two combined for 24 points and 12 rebounds, giving Texas the inside presence they desperately needed.

“That’s my two-headed monster,” Schaefer said.

Their size and physicality made it tough for South Carolina’s bigs to get into a rhythm, and that was a key part of Texas’ success.

Longhorns vs Gamecocks: Texas Snaps South Carolina’s 57-Game SEC Streak

South Carolina’s Perspective: A Tough Loss, But Good for the Game

For South Carolina, this loss stings, but Staley didn’t seem too upset.

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“Great atmosphere,” she said. “It’s great for women’s basketball, probably great for TV. Close game, great for our game. It’s just unfortunate somebody had to lose.”

That’s the thing about a streak as long as South Carolina’s—you never really expect it to end. Their last SEC regular-season loss came back in December 2021. Since then, they’ve been the dominant force in the conference, the team everyone is chasing.

This loss won’t change that. South Carolina is still one of the best teams in the country and will likely bounce back quickly. But for Texas, this win is a huge confidence boost.

What’s Next?

With Texas, South Carolina, and LSU now all tied at the top of the SEC at 10-1, things just got a lot more interesting. Every game moving forward will be critical in determining who takes the regular-season crown.

For Texas, this win was about more than just rankings—it was about proving they belong among the nation’s elite.

“It makes me really happy to be a part of that,” Harmon said. “The history and just this movement with women’s basketball. To be able to have this game, like a little pre-[Super Bowl] game. I think that’s so cool.”

With the postseason approaching, both teams will have bigger battles ahead. And if Texas and South Carolina meet again in the SEC or NCAA Tournament, one thing is for sure—it’ll be must-watch basketball.