GREENVILLE – South Carolina women’s basketball captured its third consecutive Southeastern Conference (SEC) tournament championship with an impressive 64-45 victory over Texas on March 9, 2025. This remarkable win not only extends South Carolina’s winning streak but also marks the ninth SEC tournament title under head coach Dawn Staley.
Taking place at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the game showcased the Gamecocks' tenacious defense. South Carolina is now 30-3 for the season, entering the NCAA Tournament with momentum and confidence after overcoming various challenges throughout the SEC schedule.
The second quarter was pivotal for South Carolina, who outscored Texas 21-6, helping them build an insurmountable lead. The Gamecocks executed a 15-0 run during this span, forcing Texas head coach Vic Schaefer to call two timeouts to regroup his squad. At halftime, South Carolina led comfortably at 33-16.
Star sophomore Madison Booker, the SEC Player of the Year, struggled to find her rhythm against the Gamecocks' suffocative defense. While she tormented opponents earlier this season, she managed to score only 10 points with no assists, finishing the game 4-of-13 from the field. Critically, South Carolina's defense limited Texas to just 25% shooting from the field during the second quarter and contained their attack throughout the game.
Chloe Kitts emerged as one of the standout players for the Gamecocks, leading the team with 15 points. Fellow teammates Tessa Johnson and Joyce Edwards contributed significantly with 14 and 11 points, respectively; Sania Feagin also added 11 points, demonstrating South Carolina's depth and versatility.
South Carolina has now claimed nine SEC Championships overall, achieving triumphs at seven of the last eleven titles. Their relentless pressure, characterized by 18 turnovers forced against Texas, was instrumental to the game’s outcome. Coach Staley has molded this team to be defensively tenacious, reiteration of the old adage: "Defense wins championships." This was certainly the case as the Gamecocks stifled Texas, who is known for their high-scoring offense.
Entering the game, Texas had the No. 13 offense nationwide, averaging 80 points per game. Nevertheless, South Carolina forced their opponents to reconsider, as they fell far below their average, achieving only 45 points — tying the record for the fewest scored by any team ever in the SEC women’s title game. This stellar performance serves as evidence of South Carolina's readiness to take on the NCAA tournament.
With this win, the Gamecocks prepare for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, riding high on their seven-game winning streak. Their recent form positions them as strong contenders as they seek to defend their national title.
Looking forward, South Carolina will enter the NCAA tournament as formidable contenders, making waves with their aggressive style of play, thorough preparation, and coaching acumen evident under Staley's leadership. Fans are eager for the NCAA selection show scheduled for March 16, where they will learn about their first match-up.
For supporters of South Carolina, this victory cements their status not just within the SEC but on the national stage as well. The Gamecocks have set the bar high for competition and have proven, once again, why they are among college basketball’s elite programs.