COLUMBIA, S.C. — In an impressive display of skill, the No. 2 ranked South Carolina women’s basketball team defeated No. 5 Texas 67-50, marking their 11th consecutive victory on Sunday. The match took place before a robust audience of 18,000 fans at the Colonial Life Arena.
Te-Hina Paopao and Chloe Kitts contributed significantly to the win, each putting up 11 points, while Joyce Edwards added ten for the Gamecocks (16-1, 4-0 SEC). This victory established South Carolina as the only team in the country with 13 wins against Division I opponents that have winning records. Raven Johnson also played a pivotal role, scoring eight points alongside securing ten rebounds, allowing coach Dawn Staley to improve her record against Texas coach Vic Schaefer to 14-3.
For Texas (16-2, 3-1 SEC), Kyla Oldacare was the standout performer, leading the team with 11 points and grabbing an impressive 16 rebounds. However, the Longhorns faced challenges, particularly with preseason All-American guard Madison Booker, who managed only seven points on a dismal 3-of-19 shooting night. Coming into this matchup, she had been averaging 15.3 points per game but struggled significantly against South Carolina’s defense.
The Gamecocks shot a remarkable 71% from the floor in the first half, which allowed them to establish a commanding 39-22 advantage while holding Booker to just 1-of-14 shooting. South Carolina’s offense clicked early, hitting their first four field-goal attempts and their first three free throws to jump ahead 12-5, effectively setting the tone for the remainder of the game. By late in the second quarter, the Gamecocks extended their lead to as much as 19 points, highlighted by a mid-range jumper from Raven Johnson.
In terms of key observations from the game, Texas saw Oldacare make a significant impact early, registering nine rebounds within her first six minutes. However, foul trouble limited her effectiveness. For South Carolina, despite committing 22 turnovers, their effective shooting and defensive efforts secured the win.
A pivotal moment occurred when Justice Carlton narrowed South Carolina’s lead to seven points midway through the second quarter. The Gamecocks, fueled by Edwards, responded emphatically, finishing the half on a 24-7 surge.
Both teams will look to continue their journeys as they return to action on Thursday night; Texas will face Auburn, while South Carolina is set to play against No. 18 Alabama.
