Four-peat denied: Gamecocks fall to Texas in SEC title game, 74-59 South Carolina’s quest for a fourth consecutive Southeastern Conference title ended in a 74-59 loss to No. 4 Texas in the SEC tournament championship game on Sunday. The Longhorns, led by their strong offensive performance, capitalized on 14 turnovers by the Gamecocks and shot 54% from the field to secure the victory. Texas’s dominance was evident early, as the Longhorns surged to a 14-0 run in the first four minutes, fueled by five key plays that set the tone for the game. Despite a brief rally by South Carolina, which narrowed the gap to nine points in the second quarter, Texas quickly extended its lead. A 10-0 run midway through the period pushed the deficit to double digits, marking the Gamecocks’ largest halftime deficit in an SEC tournament game since 2008. The Longhorns maintained control in the third quarter, though a late 6-0 surge by South Carolina cut the lead to 13 points heading into the final period. However, Texas held firm, converting five of its last six field goals to seal the win. For South Carolina, the loss ended their bid for a fourth straight SEC title. Joyce Edwards led the Gamecocks with 13 points but also committed five turnovers, tying for the most individual turnovers on the team. Maddy McDaniel added 10 points, while Texas forward Madison Booker dominated with 18 points. Both teams are projected as No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament, with Texas likely to compete in the Fort Worth region and South Carolina in the Sacramento region. The full NCAA Tournament bracket will be announced on March 15.#south_carolina #texas #madison_booker #sec_tournament_championship_game #maddy_mcDaniel
Texas Claims First Women's SEC Tournament Title with Dominant Win Over South Carolina The Texas Longhorns secured their first women’s SEC tournament championship with a decisive 78-61 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday. The game, played in Greenville, South Carolina, saw Texas take control early, building a 14-0 lead within the first five minutes and never allowing the Gamecocks to reclaim the momentum. The Longhorns’ dominance extended throughout the contest, with their lead never dropping below double digits as they claimed the title. South Carolina, the three-time defending SEC tournament champion, faced its most significant defeat in the tournament’s history. The Gamecocks, who had dominated the conference for the past three years, struggled to respond to Texas’ early aggression. Coach Vic Schaefer’s team, ranked No. 4, showcased resilience and precision, with standout performances from key players. Tournament MVP Madison Booker led the charge, scoring 18 points and averaging 20 points on 61% shooting across the tournament. Booker’s second-half contribution of 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting underscored Texas’ ability to maintain its intensity. The victory marked a historic moment for Texas, as Schaefer became the first coach to win a women’s SEC tournament title at two different schools. His previous success with Mississippi State in 2019 now joins this milestone, highlighting his impact on the program. Schaefer emphasized the team’s focus on toughness and resilience, noting that Texas’ early dominance set the tone for the entire game. “We belong in the SEC,” Booker said, reflecting the team’s confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level. South Carolina’s coach, Dawn Staley, acknowledged the challenge of overcoming Texas’ early lead.#south_carolina_gamecocks #texas_longhorns #vic_schaefer #madison_booker #dawn_staley
