AUSTIN, Texas — Following a significant 17-point defeat to South Carolina last month, Texas assistant coach Elana Lovato made a confident proclamation to head coach Vic Schaefer. She vowed, “We will beat them in a month,” a sentiment Schaefer recalled during a press conference on Sunday, affirming its sincerity.
The No. 4 Longhorns showcased their determination during their highly anticipated rematch against the No. 2 Gamecocks on Super Bowl Sunday, clinching a hard-fought 66-62 victory. This win not only snapped South Carolina’s impressive 57-game winning streak in regular-season Southeastern Conference matchups, which dated back to December 2021, but also created a three-way tie atop the SEC standings, with Texas, South Carolina, and LSU each holding a record of 10-1.
South Carolina, boasting a record of 22-2 and riding a 17-game winning streak since falling to top-ranked UCLA on November 24, arrived with high expectations. Head coach Dawn Staley even donned a Super Bowl sweatshirt in support of her hometown Philadelphia Eagles, who were set to face the Kansas City Chiefs later that day in New Orleans for the NFL championship.
Texas guard Madison Booker emerged as a standout, contributing 20 points to the Longhorns’ victory. Teammate Rori Harmon played a crucial role in the closing moments, hitting two essential free throws to secure the team’s eighth consecutive win and maintain their impressive 20-game home winning streak since January 2024.
Staley attributed the game’s competitive nature to the excitement around women’s basketball, mentioning, “Great atmosphere. It’s great for women’s basketball, probably great for TV. Close game, great for our game. It’s just unfortunate somebody had to lose.”
Unlike their previous encounter with South Carolina, where they recorded their lowest shooting percentage of the season at 28%, the Longhorns improved to 44% shooting in the rematch. They also dominated the boards, edging the Gamecocks in rebounds with a total of 42-35, while outscoring them 40-26 in the paint and claiming a 19-12 advantage in second-chance points.
“It took tremendous toughness to win that game,” Schaefer stated. “They earned it. I don’t have to tell you how good that team is we played today. In my mind, they’re the number one team in the country. And I mean no disrespect to UCLA.”
Booker had struggled in their last matchup, making just 3 of 19 shots, but showcased her resilience by hitting 7 of 22 in the rematch, along with 11 rebounds, including a pivotal one late in the contest. “It’s my job to rebound,” Booker asserted, emphasizing her commitment to team success.
The sophomore has transitioned from her natural position of small forward to point guard due to injuries on the team. After replacing Harmon, who suffered a season-ending knee injury, and now stepping up in a more significant rebounding role after Aaliyah Moore’s recent injury. “She was a beast on the boards,” Staley recognized her effort.
Texas centers Taylor Jones and Kyla Oldacre complemented Booker’s performance with a combined total of 24 points and 12 rebounds, a partnership Schaefer proudly described as his “two-headed monster.”
“It makes me really happy to be a part of that,” Harmon expressed, highlighting the significance of the moment for women’s basketball. She appreciated the opportunity to play on a national stage, especially with the excitement of the Super Bowl adding to the day’s atmosphere.
