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Gamecocks Wins Third Straight SEC Title with Dominant Victory Over Texas

By James Seidel | CC News Network

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team continued their historic run Sunday, securing their third consecutive SEC Tournament championship with a commanding win over Texas.

Coming into the game, the Gamecocks aimed to avenge their February loss to the Longhorns, a rare blemish on their otherwise dominant season. This time, however, South Carolina never trailed, setting the tone early and cruising to a 79-51 victory at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Gamecocks Take Control Early

South Carolina struck first and never looked back. Tessa Johnson’s three-pointer midway through the second quarter doubled the Longhorns’ score at 20-10, and by halftime, the Gamecocks had built a commanding 33-16 lead.

The second half was more of the same as Chloe Kitts led the way with 15 points, while four Gamecocks finished in double figures. South Carolina’s defense also stifled Texas, preventing any comeback attempts.

The win marked South Carolina’s ninth SEC Tournament title and further solidified their dominance under head coach Dawn Staley.

Players, Coach Reflect on Redemption Win

Staley emphasized how her team learned from its setbacks, using their three losses this season as motivation.

“The three losses that we had, we embraced them, we learned from them, we grew from them, and now we find ourselves in a position of playing some of our best basketball at the right time heading into the NCAA Tournament,” Staley said.

Sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley echoed that sentiment, dismissing their previous loss to Texas as an afterthought.

“I’m just proud of how close this team is getting and how we’re putting it all together at the right time because that loss in Austin doesn’t define us at all.”

Meanwhile, Kitts, who led all scorers, described the team’s chemistry on full display.

“It felt so good out there,” Kitts said. “Obviously, we lost to Texas before, so we were coming for our win. We went out there and played so well offensively and defensively. We were all so connected, and we were all having so much fun. You could see smiles on our faces the whole time.”

Gamecocks Win the SEC Photo: Gamecocks WBB

What’s Next?

With their third straight SEC Tournament title in hand, the top-seeded Gamecocks now turn their focus to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where they will be one of the favorites to make a deep run.

This dominant performance against Texas signals that South Carolina is peaking at the right time, making them a dangerous team as March Madness begins.