- Gamecocks outscore Texas by 13 points during critical foul absences
- South Carolina's bench contributes 35 points versus Texas' 16
- 40-22 paint point advantage showcases interior dominance
- Historic 17th same-season matchup in women's NCAA history
In a decisive Final Four showdown, South Carolina demonstrated why they remain the team to beat in NCAA women's basketball. The Gamecocks overcame an early 12-4 deficit through strategic adjustments and depth utilization, particularly when Texas star Madison Booker faced foul trouble. Head coach Dawn Staley's squad improved to 35-3 this season with their 15th consecutive victory.
The third quarter proved pivotal as South Carolina unleashed an 11-0 run that included transition buckets from three different players. Texas managed just nine points in the period, struggling against the Gamecocks' defensive rotations. Freshman Joyce Edwards emerged as a dual threat, recording 13 points and 11 rebounds while facilitating ball movement with six assists.
Three critical factors shaped the outcome:
- SEC Player of Year Booker limited to 11 points in 23 minutes
- Gamecocks converted 18 Texas turnovers into 22 points
- South Carolina's 48% field goal accuracy versus Texas' 37%
Regional analysis reveals this matchup carried added significance as the first SEC conference tournament meeting between the programs. Texas' transition from Big 12 competition saw them go 15-1 against SEC teams before Friday's loss. The result continues South Carolina's conference supremacy, having now defeated all seven SEC opponents in postseason play since 2022.
Industry experts note this victory exemplifies modern roster construction trends. Without a dominant star like previous championship teams, South Carolina leverages 10 players averaging 10+ minutes through:
- Positionless basketball concepts
- Switch-heavy defensive schemes
- Pace-and-space offensive sets
The Gamecocks' path to potential back-to-back titles reflects evolving priorities in women's college basketball. Programs now prioritize athletic wings over traditional post players, with South Carolina's 6'7Kamilla Cardoso attempting just eight shots while anchoring defensive efforts. This strategic shift enabled transition opportunities that Texas couldn't counter in critical moments.
With Friday's win, South Carolina becomes the first program to reach three championship games in four years since UConn's 2013-2016 dynasty. Their sustained success despite roster turnover offers a blueprint for program building in the transfer portal era. The Gamecocks have developed six WNBA draft picks since 2022 while maintaining championship competitiveness.
Texas' historic season ends at 35-4, but their SEC transition signals future contention. Coach Vic Schaefer's squad returns four starters next season, including Booker and freshman phenom Jordan Lee who scored 16 bench points. The Longhorns' 83% win rate against Power Five opponents suggests they'll remain national contenders.
As women's basketball continues breaking attendance records, this Final Four clash drew 19,857 fans to Tampa's Amalie Arena. The sport's Southeastern Conference footprint grows stronger, with six SEC teams reaching the Elite Eight since 2021. Analysts predict increased parity as programs like Texas adapt to South Carolina's team-oriented model.