Texas Stuns Dawn Staley’s South Carolina: Longhorns End Gamecocks' 57-Game SEC Streak in Thriller

In a thrilling showdown at the Moody Center on February 9, 2025, the No. 4 Texas Longhorns ended the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks' 57-game SEC regular-season winning streak with a 66-62 victory. The Longhorns' triumph was fueled by a fervent home crowd that created a deafening atmosphere, propelling the team to maintain their lead throughout the game.

Dawn Staley, South Carolina Head Coach

Sophomore forward Madison Booker delivered a standout performance, recording a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Center Kyra Oldacre contributed 13 points, bolstering Texas's offense.

The Gamecocks struggled offensively, with only freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley reaching double figures, scoring 12 points off the bench. Head coach Dawn Staley expressed her concerns post-game, stating, "We weren't getting anything from our bigs, not getting a whole lot of rebounding, not really a whole lot of scoring." She also commended Texas's defense, noting they "played a very good defensive game."

The absence of forward Ashlyn Watkins was palpable, as the Gamecocks struggled to contain Booker. Staley acknowledged the challenge, mentioning the team's use of a smaller lineup, which left them vulnerable in rebounding and defensive matchups. "When you go with a smaller lineup, you're susceptible to rebounding, you're susceptible to having a smaller guard on a big. You put yourself in that situation and we got burned a few times with it," she remarked.

This defeat marks South Carolina's first conference loss in two years, placing them in a tie with Texas atop the SEC standings at 10-1. Reflecting on the loss, Staley said, "It's unfamiliar territory for us. This is the first game that we've lost in two years, I think. The law of averages says at some point, somebody's gonna get you."

In her post-game interview, Booker attributed the victory to the team's resilience, stating, "We just had to stay tough and have the mental resilience to see the game out."

Texas head coach Vic Schaefer emphasized the importance of competitiveness, asserting, "If you don't have a competitive spirit that day, you won't get beat, you'll get embarrassed. That's the bottom line!"

The Longhorns' victory not only halted the Gamecocks' impressive streak but also underscored the heightened competition within the SEC, especially with the recent additions of Oklahoma and Texas. As the season progresses, both teams will look to solidify their standings in this fiercely competitive league.

For now, however, the Longhorns have sent the Gamecocks back to Columbia licking their wounds. Dawn Staley will have to regroup and go back to the drawing board. For the first time in many years, South Carolina looks vulnerable.