South Carolina suffered a tough 66-64 loss to Texas, closing out their Las Vegas trip with a 1–1 record. Here are the biggest takeaways from the narrow defeat:
Missed Opportunities Become the Story
No matter which team walked away with the loss, it was going to feel like a missed opportunity — and for South Carolina, that sentiment hit hard. The Gamecocks repeatedly failed to convert at the rim, missing 13 of 18 layups in the first half and finishing 16-32 for the game. Typically, a team that generates 32 layup attempts expects to walk away with a win.
Texas had its own issues, mainly inefficient shooting and an unexpected struggle in the paint — an area they controlled convincingly last season. That advantage disappeared this time.
Dawn Staley highlighted both the positives and the letdowns, saying, “I did like our rebounding until the fourth quarter. I like the fact that Madina got another double-double. I like the fact that we got some experience with this team.”
Post Play: A Major Flip from Last Season
The Gamecocks’ decision to add Madina Okot in the offseason looks better with every game, and Las Vegas showcased exactly why she was targeted.
Okot delivered back-to-back double-doubles, averaging 17.5 points and 12 rebounds, and thoroughly outplayed Kyla Oldacre — the same post threat who gave South Carolina nightmares a year ago.
But Okot wasn’t alone. Adhel Tac, the first reserve off the bench in both games, made a strong impact on both ends. Against Texas, she finished with two points, four rebounds, and two blocks, once again outperforming the Longhorn frontcourt.
Meanwhile, Texas’ primary bigs — Breya Cunningham and Oldacre — combined for just 10 points and eight rebounds.
Also worth noting: Ta’Niya Latson, another South Carolina transfer, delivered in a critical moment. She forced a key turnover and then hit two clutch free throws to tie the game after a timeout — exactly the type of play she was brought in to make.
Bench Production Still a Concern
While the frontline stood tall, South Carolina’s overall bench contributions lagged behind.
Maddy McDaniel played effectively despite her impact not showing up heavily in the stats — a common trait for point guards. Still, the Gamecocks needed more than the combined five points, three assists, one rebound, and one steal she produced.
Maryam Dauda, who grabbed six rebounds against Duke, struggled to make an impact versus Texas and recorded only a turnover. Freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell also had quiet outings, underscoring that Staley isn’t fully confident in her young players just yet.
Even so, Staley expressed optimism about what the bench gained from the experience.
“I’m not upset at all about this game,” she said. “This is going to help us. We played some players who needed to get experience in big-time games. I think we found someone we are a little more comfortable putting in the game in Adhel Tac.”
