What does the Final Four mean to the Gamecocks and Longhorns?
For South Carolina, this was expected. Dawn Staley’s squad has established itself as a powerhouse in women’s basketball, searching for its third title in four years. But for Texas, this is only its second Final Four and first since 1986. The Longhorns made it to three Elite Eights in the previous four seasons, but Vic Schaefer’s team finally made it over the hump this year.
South Carolina
The Gamecocks (34-3) are looking to become the fourth team to win back-to-back titles, joining Tennessee, Southern California, and fellow Final Four participant UConn. Dawn Staley has led South Carolina to three national championships since moving to Columbia, hoisting the trophy in 2017, 2022 and 2024.
South Carolina boasts a solid core led by Joyce Edwards, MiLaysia Fulwiley and Chloe Kitts who are all averaging double-digit points on the season.
Texas
This may be Texas’ first Final Four in almost four decades, but the Longhorns are familiar with tournament play. They reached their fourth Elite Eight in five years this season before taking down the Hailey Van Lith-led Horned Frogs to earn a trip to Tampa.
However, Texas has a serious obstacle to overcome in the Gamecocks. The two SEC foes split the regular season series, but South Carolina cruised past the Longhorns in the SEC championship game, 64-45. Staley’s team has beaten Texas by a combined 36 points in its two wins, while the Longhorns only bested South Carolina by four points in their lone win at home.
But the Longhorns do boast a potent offense powered by forward Madison Booker who is averaging 16.5 points while shooting almost 50% from the field. Booker dropped 20 on the Gamecocks when Texas took them down, and Texas will likely need another big game from the sophomore to dethrone the defending champs.
The matchup
The conference foes lineup fairly even on paper each averaging roughly the same points per game and points allowed. The Gamecocks hold the edge in 3-point percentage (33.7%) as Texas sits right below 30%. But these teams are more than familiar with each other’s style, and this game could come down to the clipboard as Staley and Vic Schaefer gameplan for their fourth matchup this season.
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