To defeat Texas, South Carolina needed to dominate the post. That was head coach Dawn Staley's key prediction ahead of the game.
The Gamecocks started slow on the boards but ultimately out-rebounded Texas 42-40. South Carolina recorded 36 defensive rebounds to Texas’ 20, while the Longhorns managed an impressive 20 offensive rebounds compared to the Gamecocks’ six. Both teams tied with 32 points in the paint. While South Carolina didn’t win every post-related statistic, their dominance was clear—even without Ashlyn Watkins, who’s sidelined with a torn ACL.
South Carolina’s defense held one of the nation’s top offenses to just nine first-quarter points. Texas shot a season-low 27.8% from the field and scored their fewest points of the season. The Gamecocks’ defensive intensity, paired with their scorching 70% shooting in the first half, effectively crushed Texas’ chances early.
Texas shot just 15% in the dismal first quarter, scoring their lowest points in any quarter this season. Senior Bree Hall attributed South Carolina’s defensive success to trust and communication.
Hall played a pivotal role guarding Texas’ top scorer, Madison Booker. Averaging 15 points per game, Booker was held to just seven points on 3-for-19 shooting. While Staley credited Hall’s defense, she also noted Booker might have had an “off night.”
Gamecocks takes a 67-50 win over the No. 5 Longhorns
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