Texas Stuns No. 2 South Carolina, Snaps Gamecocks’ 57-Game SEC Streak in Thriller
In a high-stakes showdown at the Moody Center, No. 6 Texas Longhorns pulled off a stunning 66-62 upset over No. 2 South Carolina, ending the Gamecocks’ incredible 57-game SEC winning streak.
Madison Booker was the catalyst for Texas, delivering a dominant double-double performance with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, MiLaysia Fulwiley fought hard for South Carolina, finishing with 13 points, three assists, and three steals, but it wasn’t enough to keep the streak alive.
South Carolina had bested Texas 67-50 in their first meeting on January 12, but the rematch told a different story. This time, Texas brought the fight.
“Last time, we were out-toughed. This time, we out-toughed them,” Booker said in a postgame interview. “Mental. It’s a mental game, that’s all I gotta say.”
Game Recap: How Texas Took Down South Carolina
Final Score: Texas 66, South Carolina 62
The final minute was a heart-pounding sequence of crucial plays. With 51.6 seconds left, South Carolina earned a controversial foul while trailing 64-61. Bree Hall made one of two free throws, cutting the lead to 64-62. After a missed Texas possession, Sania Feagin grabbed the rebound and called timeout with 26.5 seconds remaining.
But South Carolina couldn’t capitalize. Texas forced a miss and regained possession with 14 seconds left. Fouled immediately, the Longhorns hit both free throws to make it 66-62. Feagin attempted a desperate three-pointer, but it clanked off the rim. Texas secured the rebound, sealing the upset victory.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
- 3Q: Texas 49, South Carolina 49
- South Carolina erased a halftime deficit by outscoring Texas 22-13 in the third quarter.
- Halftime: Texas 36, South Carolina 27
- Texas dominated the second quarter, fueled by Taylor Jones’ 11 points, six rebounds, and four steals.
- Madison Booker added eight points and three assists.
- MiLaysia Fulwiley led South Carolina with nine points, two rebounds, and two assists.
- 1Q: Texas 18, South Carolina 16
- Taylor Jones led Texas with seven points and three rebounds.
- Fulwiley had five points for South Carolina.
Dawn Staley Shows Eagles Pride on Super Bowl Sunday
Despite the loss, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley made a bold fashion statement, repping her Philadelphia Eagles on Super Bowl Sunday.
Wearing a Super Bowl 59 sweatshirt featuring the Eagles logo, Staley also sported matching green sneakers, proudly displaying her Philly roots as she led the Gamecocks into battle.
What’s Next for South Carolina?
Despite the tough loss, South Carolina remains one of the top teams in the country at 22-2 overall (10-1 SEC). They’ll look to bounce back in their next game against the Florida Gators on February 13 at 7 p.m. ET.
Can the Gamecocks start a new winning streak? Stay tuned.
