As one of the most anticipated matchups in women’s college basketball this season approaches, fans are eager for all the essential details about the marquee showdown between No. 2 South Carolina and No. 4 Texas. Here’s everything you need to know to catch this SEC thriller.
When and Where to Watch
Game Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Location: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, South Carolina
Television: ESPN2
Radio: Local affiliates and satellite radio coverage available
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2, ensuring fans across the country can witness this critical conference battle. For those unable to watch on television, the ESPN app and streaming services carrying ESPN2 will provide live coverage as well.
Broadcast Team
ESPN2 will deploy one of its premier broadcast crews for this high-profile matchup, reflecting the game’s significance in the women’s basketball landscape. The announcing team will provide expert analysis and play-by-play coverage throughout the evening, breaking down the tactical battles between two of the nation’s elite programs.
Radio listeners can tune in to their local South Carolina and Texas sports networks for hometown perspectives on the action, with each team’s dedicated broadcast crew offering in-depth coverage and analysis.
Expected Starting Lineups
South Carolina Gamecocks
Head Coach Dawn Staley is expected to deploy her standard rotation featuring several key contributors. Sophomore phenom Joyce Edwards, averaging 20.7 points per game, will anchor the offense alongside senior guard Ta’Niya Latson, who’s producing career-best efficiency numbers. Senior Madina Okot, the nation’s leading double-double producer with 13 on the season, will provide her dominant rebounding presence. Veteran guard Raven Johnson, averaging 10.2 points per game, rounds out the core lineup with her defensive intensity and playmaking ability.
Texas Longhorns
Coach Vic Schaefer will counter with his own talented roster led by Madison Booker, who paces Texas with 19.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. The Longhorns’ starting five will emphasize their versatile offensive attack and perimeter shooting, hoping to stretch South Carolina’s formidable defense and create driving lanes.
Injury Report and Availability
South Carolina has dealt with roster availability challenges throughout the season, with the team having its full complement of players for just six games this season. Late-game availability updates will be critical for both programs, as any last-minute scratches could significantly impact coaching strategies and rotations.
Texas enters the game dealing with the physical toll of their demanding SEC schedule, though no major injury concerns have been publicly reported. Both coaching staffs will provide final injury updates during their pregame availability sessions.
What’s at Stake
This rematch carries enormous implications for SEC standings, national rankings, and NCAA Tournament seeding. South Carolina seeks to defend home court and maintain its position among the nation’s elite, while Texas looks to prove their early-season victory over the Gamecocks was no fluke.
With tipoff set for 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2, fans should settle in early for what promises to be an intense, physical battle between two championship-caliber programs.
