Madina Okot’s Clutch Three-Pointer Proves Game-Changer in South Carolina’s Thrilling Victory Over Texas
In a moment that defied her entire basketball résumé, Madina Okot channeled her inner sharpshooter to deliver the decisive blow in No. 2 South Carolina’s nail-biting 68-65 victory over No. 4 Texas on Thursday night.
The Shot That Changed Everything
With 3:32 remaining in the fourth quarter and South Carolina clinging to a precarious 58-57 lead, Raven Johnson orchestrated what would become the game’s defining play. Johnson dribbled right before swinging the ball back left to Okot, who stood just beyond the arc.
What happened next shocked everyone—including Okot herself.
The forward hesitated momentarily, anticipating Texas defenders to close out. But none came. With at least 10 feet of space, she released the shot. Colonial Life Arena exploded as the ball sailed through the net without touching iron.
That three-pointer gave South Carolina its largest lead to that point—four points—and Texas never recovered. Even opposing coach Vic Schaefer acknowledged its impact.
“It’s a one-possession game and the play of the game is Okot’s 3,” the Texas head coach admitted.
An Unlikely Long-Range Threat
The significance of Okot’s shot becomes even more remarkable considering her shooting history. Prior to this season, she had never attempted a three-pointer in her entire career. This year, she’s launched just seven attempts from deep, converting three. Her previous two makes came in comfortable blowout victories over Florida Gulf Coast and Arkansas—hardly high-pressure situations.
So what gave her the confidence to attempt such an unfamiliar shot in a game’s critical moment? Simple preparation.
“I’ve been practicing for it,” Okot explained. “…(In) today’s game I was like, ‘Wait, I’m wide open let me try it.’ And it went in.”
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Head coach Dawn Staley emphasized the behind-the-scenes work that made the moment possible.
“We work them,” Staley said. “Our bigs are very capable of making 3s, and we’re comfortable with them taking the 3s because we work them. She couldn’t hit it at a more important time for her and for us.”
Dominant Despite Mental Challenges
Okot is posting impressive numbers in her first season as a Gamecock, averaging a double-double with 14.8 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Yet beneath the statistics lies a player still adjusting to the immense pressures of playing for a championship-caliber program.
Staley—who colorfully described Okot as a “female Adonis” Thursday night—revealed that her star forward has been “going through it mentally” this season. The coach hopes this performance against Texas serves as a breakthrough moment.
“She’s got to take something from this game that she got to feel good about. She’s working through some things,” Staley said. “Sometimes when players are working through some things, you’ve just got to get to the other side. The more you wallow in it, the worse it gets. But the more you just think about just getting through; it may be ugly, it may make you feel bad, but they’re all just growing pains.”
Navigating Unfamiliar Territory
The transition to South Carolina represents a significant leap for Okot, who spent last season at Mississippi State. While she gained NCAA experience with the Bulldogs, the stakes in Columbia are considerably higher. Mississippi State finished 22-12 last season and made just their second NCAA Tournament appearance in five years—a far cry from the championship expectations surrounding the Gamecocks.
“This is unfamiliar territory for her regarding big stakes, big game, everybody’s watching. So it takes some time to get used to,” Staley explained.
Despite Okot not yet reaching her full potential, Johnson noted, South Carolina is still winning games—a testament to both the team’s depth and Okot’s current contributions even while adjusting.
“So I hope she can see we were still winning with her not even being at her best,” Staley said. “So once she’s at her best maybe the score wouldn’t be as tight as it was.”
The Bigger Picture
Okot’s clutch performance against Texas represents more than just one game-winning shot. It signals a player beginning to embrace the moment, trust her preparation, and step into the legacy of dominant post players who’ve defined South Carolina basketball under Staley’s leadership.
As she continues working through the mental adjustments required at this level, Thursday night’s three-pointer may well be remembered as the turning point—the moment when Madina Okot discovered she belongs on college basketball’s biggest stage.
