LIVE FROM GAMECOCKS HQ: South Carolina’s SEC Streak Ends, but the Mission Continues!
The South Carolina Gamecocks suffered their first SEC loss since 2021, falling to Texas on Sunday and snapping a 57-game conference winning streak. FAMS, take a deep breath—it’s all good!
This loss doesn’t define the Gamecocks—it highlights just how dominant they’ve been in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. Let’s put this into perspective: South Carolina has lost only THREE games in the last THREE seasons. That level of excellence is rare, and setbacks are just part of the journey to greatness.
Game Breakdown: Fouls, Missed Shots & Missed Chances
One key factor in the game? Fouls. A staggering 22 fouls were called in the first half alone, which set the tone for a game where rhythm was hard to find.
But officiating aside, South Carolina didn’t have its best offensive showing:
- 36.8% shooting from the field
- 26.3% from three
- 65.2% from the free-throw line (15-23)
- Outrebounded 42-35
Despite tying the game multiple times, the Gamecocks couldn’t seize momentum when it mattered most.
Bench Production – The “Seatbelt Gang” Shows Up
South Carolina’s bench unit—the Seatbelt Gang—came through with 30 points and 9 rebounds against Texas.
- MiLaysia Fulwiley led the way with 13 points, 3 steals, and 3 assists.
- Joyce Edwards added 9 points.
- Tessa Johnson chipped in 7 points and 3 rebounds.
Even with this tough loss, the Gamecocks are still in control of their SEC title hopes, sitting in a four-way tie for first place with several critical matchups ahead.
NEXT UP: South Carolina vs. Florida – Key Matchups to Watch
South Carolina (22-2, 10-1 SEC) vs. Florida Gators (12-12, 3-7 SEC)
The Gamecocks return home looking to bounce back against a scrappy Florida team. Here’s who they need to keep an eye on:
Backcourt Battles
- Liv McGill (Florida’s Freshman Star, 16.4 PPG, 5.4 APG)
- Elite scorer with a knack for getting to the rim.
- Turns the ball over 4 times per game—pressure her!
- Draw fouls on her (averages 2.1 fouls per game) to limit her impact.
- Box her out—she crashes the offensive boards hard.
- Laila Reynolds (Florida’s Hustler, 3.3 TOs, 2.3 fouls per game)
- Does all the dirty work for the Gators.
- Gamecocks must contest every shot and keep her off the glass.
- Jeriah Warren (Florida’s Big-Game Player, 12.5 PPG, 57.9% 3PT)
- Lights out from deep—Gamecocks must close out fast.
- Very foul-prone (2.6 per game)—attack her on offense.
Inside the Paint
- Ra Shalya Kyle (Florida’s 6’6” Anchor, 15 PPG, 9.3 RPG)
- Skilled post presence who can finish through contact.
- Gamecocks must deny deep post position—if she gets it, she scores.
- Aggressive rebounder—South Carolina’s bigs must box her out.
- Foul trouble risk (2.3 fouls per game)—attack her early.
Gamecocks’ Edge & Keys to Victory
South Carolina’s depth, speed, athleticism, and defense should give them the advantage, but they’ll need to execute in key areas:
- Stay Focused – Keep the main goal in mind and control the pace.
- Set the Tone Early – Establish dominance from the tip-off after a tough loss.
- Defensive Intensity – The Gamecocks’ elite defense holds opponents 20+ points below their average.
- Bench Production – South Carolina’s deepest second unit in the country must step up again.
- Win the Rebounding Battle – Dominating the glass = Winning the game.
- Take Care of the Ball – 16.5 assists per game means ball movement is key.
- Force Turnovers – Florida averages 16.8 TOs per game—capitalize on mistakes.
- Free Throw Focus – Florida fouls a lot (17.3 per game)—Gamecocks must convert at the stripe.
- Play Smart, Play Hard, Play Like Champions – Discipline wins games.
- Have Fun!
FINAL THOUGHTS: The Mission is Still Alive
Yes, the streak ended. But the season isn’t defined by one loss. The SEC regular-season title is still up for grabs, and the Gamecocks are in control of their own destiny.
Next stop: Florida. Time to bounce back! Go Cocks!
