Dawn Staley on Women’s Basketball Growth After Tight Loss to Texas
The women’s game is surging, and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley wants everyone to recognize it.
Despite a hard-fought 66-62 loss to No. 4 Texas on Sunday, Staley took a moment to highlight the rapid growth of women’s basketball, emphasizing the sport’s increasing respect and visibility.
Dawn Staley: ‘Women’s Basketball is It Right Now’
Following the game, Staley spoke passionately about the significance of her team’s high-profile matchup being broadcast right before Super Bowl 59.
“Quite honestly, we’re it right now. Women’s basketball is it right now,” Staley said. “They’re not gonna put just any women’s game on to be a prelude to the Super Bowl. They put it on because they know the ratings will be there. They knew it was going to be a tightly matched basketball game.”
Staley hopes this exposure translates into broader recognition for women’s college basketball, both in terms of revenue sharing and overall respect for the game.
Gamecocks Fall in a Thriller Against Texas
No. 2 South Carolina (22-2, 10-1 SEC) battled No. 4 Texas in a defensive showdown, with both teams deadlocked at 49-49 heading into the fourth quarter. However, the Longhorns made key plays down the stretch, outscoring the Gamecocks 17-13 in the final 10 minutes—despite not making a single three-pointer all game.
MiLaysia Fulwiley was South Carolina’s only player in double figures, leading the team with 13 points. Joyce Edwards and Chloe Kitts chipped in nine points each, while Te-Hina Paopao added eight. The Gamecocks struggled offensively, shooting under 40% from the field.
What’s Next for South Carolina?
Despite the setback, South Carolina remains one of the nation’s top teams, boasting an average of 80.3 points per game on 46.7% shooting, with a dominant +24.5 scoring margin.
The Gamecocks will look to bounce back when they return home to face the Florida Gators on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. ET.
