The stage was set for a thrilling showdown as the South Carolina Gamecocks faced off against the Texas Longhorns in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. With both teams entering the game as number one seeds, expectations were sky-high for this highly anticipated matchup.
South Carolina, the defending champions, came into the game boasting a formidable record of 34-3. Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks had already secured their place in the Final Four for the fifth consecutive year. Their journey to this point included hard-fought victories over Maryland and Duke in the tournament's earlier rounds. Meanwhile, the Texas Longhorns, with a record of 35-3, were making their first Final Four appearance since 2003, showcasing their grit and determination after overcoming TCU in the Elite Eight.
As the game tipped off at 7 p.m. ET, it quickly became evident that both teams were ready to battle. Texas jumped out to an early lead, with Madison Booker scoring six points in the first quarter, helping the Longhorns to a 12-4 advantage. However, South Carolina responded with a strong push, closing the gap and trailing just 19-18 at the end of the first quarter. The Gamecocks were fueled by the energetic play of their guards, Te-Hina Paopao and MiLaysia Fulwiley, who both contributed crucial points throughout the first half.
By halftime, South Carolina had managed to take a narrow lead of 38-35, thanks to a late surge powered by a three-pointer from Paopao and some solid play from Joyce Edwards, who was instrumental off the bench. Edwards had eight points, while Fulwiley added seven, showcasing the depth of the Gamecocks' roster.
Despite the close score at halftime, the game took a significant turn in the third quarter. South Carolina opened the half with a 5-0 run, extending their lead to 43-37. The Gamecocks' defense tightened, and they began to pull away, leading 54-41 with just under two minutes remaining in the quarter. South Carolina's shooting was impressive, with the team hitting over 52% from the field, while Texas struggled to find their rhythm, scoring just six points in the third quarter.
Throughout the game, the physicality of the matchup was palpable, with both teams trading hard fouls and aggressive plays. Texas was hindered by foul trouble, particularly for their star player Madison Booker, who entered halftime with three fouls after a strong start. Coach Vic Schaefer's squad needed to find a way to rally, especially with their leading scorer struggling to stay on the court.
As the clock wound down, South Carolina maintained control, showcasing their championship pedigree. The Gamecocks continued to dominate the boards, out-rebounding Texas 22-14 by the end of the third quarter, a stat that highlighted their physical advantage in the paint. The Longhorns, despite their best efforts, found it difficult to keep pace, trailing by double digits for the first time in the game.
As the fourth quarter began, South Carolina's momentum was undeniable. Joyce Edwards emerged as a key player for the Gamecocks, leading all scorers with 12 points. Her ability to create offensive opportunities and drive to the basket was crucial in maintaining South Carolina's lead. The Gamecocks were not just playing to win; they were playing to defend their title, and their experience on this stage was evident.
With the game winding down, the atmosphere in Amalie Arena was electric, filled with fans from both sides. The Longhorns, desperate to mount a comeback, were met with staunch resistance from a South Carolina team that had faced similar challenges throughout their championship runs. The Gamecocks' defense was relentless, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on Texas's mistakes.
As the final minutes ticked away, South Carolina's lead remained secure, and the Gamecocks looked poised to advance to the national championship game. With a commanding performance throughout the second half, they had demonstrated why they were the defending champions.
In the end, the Gamecocks' blend of skill, depth, and experience shone through, as they battled their way to a victory against the Longhorns. The final score reflected their dominance, marking another step towards what they hoped would be a back-to-back national championship.
For South Carolina, this victory was not just about advancing; it was a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the season. As they prepared for the national championship game, the Gamecocks would carry with them the momentum of this significant win, ready to defend their title one more time.
