South Carolina vs. Texas – 2025 NCAA Tournament Final Four: Lineups, Preview, and Prediction

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling clash between two powerhouse programs: the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Texas Longhorns. Both teams have had stellar seasons, overcoming adversity and showcasing their immense talent to reach this point. As the national championship hangs in the balance, we delve into the lineups, strengths, and key matchups of this monumental game.

Team Overview

South Carolina Gamecocks

Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, the South Carolina Gamecocks have been a dominant force in women’s college basketball for the past decade. The 2025 season has been no different, as they have consistently demonstrated why they are considered one of the best teams in the nation. With a balanced roster full of athleticism, experience, and basketball IQ, the Gamecocks are looking to capture their third NCAA championship in program history.

• Key Strengths:
  1. Defensive Prowess: South Carolina is known for its suffocating defense, often forcing opponents into tough shots and creating turnovers. With a robust defensive game plan, they are able to neutralize offensive juggernauts.
  2. Depth and Versatility: The Gamecocks have an impressive mix of experienced upperclassmen and promising young talent. Their depth across the board allows them to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the game, wearing down opponents with fresh legs.
  3. Rebounding Dominance: South Carolina’s physicality on the boards, particularly on the offensive glass, gives them an edge in controlling tempo and gaining second-chance opportunities.

Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns, led by head coach Vic Schaefer, have been an intimidating presence in the tournament, making their first Final Four appearance since 2003. Texas has demonstrated an ability to excel in all aspects of the game, from offensive firepower to defensive lockdowns. With a blend of skilled upperclassmen and burgeoning stars, the Longhorns have developed into one of the top teams in the country. A victory in this game would mark the first national championship for the Longhorns in women’s basketball.

• Key Strengths:
  1. Offensive Firepower: Texas features an explosive offense, capable of scoring in a variety of ways. Their guard play, led by dynamic scorers, keeps defenses on edge, while their frontcourt players provide a constant threat in the paint.
  2. Physical Defense: Texas prides itself on its gritty defense. The Longhorns’ ability to pressure opposing guards and limit post touches gives them an edge against teams with strong interior players.
  3. Toughness and Mentality: Schaefer has instilled a winning mindset in his team, emphasizing physicality, teamwork, and the ability to stay focused under pressure. This mentality has helped the Longhorns overcome tough opponents throughout the tournament.

Projected Lineups

South Carolina Gamecocks:

1. Zia Cooke (Guard, Senior)
   Zia Cooke has been the heartbeat of the Gamecocks’ offense. A dynamic scorer, Cooke excels in transition and is capable of creating her own shot from anywhere on the floor. Her leadership will be crucial in navigating the intensity of the Final Four.
2. Brea Beal (Guard, Senior)
   Beal is known for her lock-down defense and ability to make plays in the clutch. Though her offense isn’t always the focal point, she’s a gritty player who can provide crucial steals and assists when needed. Her matchups against Texas’ guards will be vital in limiting their offensive flow.
3. Aliyah Boston (Center, Senior)
   One of the top players in the country, Aliyah Boston is a force in the post. A double-double machine, she is a dominant presence in both scoring and rebounding. Her ability to anchor the defense and secure key rebounds will be crucial in limiting Texas’ offensive opportunities.
4. Kamilla Cardoso (Forward, Junior)
   Cardoso is a versatile big who can step out and hit mid-range shots, but her most notable skill is her presence in the paint. She provides a perfect complement to Boston, giving South Carolina an inside-out scoring threat.
5. Laeticia Amihere (Forward, Senior)
   Amihere is known for her ability to stretch the floor while contributing defensively. She’ll be tasked with guarding some of Texas’ bigger players but also needs to play a key role in transition and rebounding.

Texas Longhorns:

1. Rori Harmon (Guard, Junior)
   Harmon has been the catalyst for Texas throughout the tournament, blending incredible speed with the ability to distribute the basketball. She’s an elite defender and can take over games offensively. Her leadership in the backcourt will be critical in orchestrating the offense and limiting South Carolina’s defensive intensity.
2. Jada Underwood (Guard, Sophomore)
   A sharp-shooter with deep range, Underwood is capable of lighting up the scoreboard at any moment. She can stretch defenses and create space for her teammates, making her a dangerous weapon for Texas.
3. Taylor Jones (Forward, Senior)
   Jones is a physical presence on both ends of the floor. A fierce rebounder and strong scorer in the paint, Jones will be one of the primary players to combat the duo of Boston and Cardoso in the post.
4. Aaliyah Moore (Forward, Sophomore)
   Moore is a versatile player who can stretch the floor with her shooting while being strong enough to bang inside. Her mobility and ability to defend multiple positions give Texas flexibility in their schemes.
5. Sonya Morris (Guard, Senior)
   Morris is a key veteran for Texas, providing leadership and a steadying influence in critical moments. Her ability to score and play tough defense will be crucial in the backcourt, especially when facing South Carolina’s aggressive perimeter defense.

Game Preview

This South Carolina vs. Texas matchup is an intriguing one. On paper, both teams have the tools to win the national championship, and their respective styles of play will make for a fascinating contest. South Carolina’s formula revolves around smothering defense, elite rebounding, and balanced offense, while Texas relies on dynamic guards and physicality to control the game.

Key Matchups:

1. Aliyah Boston vs. Taylor Jones and Aaliyah Moore
   The battle in the paint will be one of the most talked-about storylines. Aliyah Boston’s dominance in the post is unmatched, and she’ll face off against a Texas frontcourt that is both skilled and tough. Taylor Jones and Aaliyah Moore will need to step up to limit Boston’s impact on the game, but Boston’s combination of size, skill, and experience makes her nearly impossible to contain.
2. Zia Cooke vs. Rori Harmon
   Both Cooke and Harmon are the engines that drive their respective teams. Cooke’s scoring ability and leadership will be vital for South Carolina, while Harmon’s speed and playmaking make her one of the most dangerous guards in the country. Their head-to-head battle could decide the pace of the game, with each trying to outdo the other in critical moments.
3. South Carolina’s Defense vs. Texas’ Offense
   South Carolina’s defense is one of the toughest in the nation, and they will look to stifle Texas’ offensive flow. With a plethora of defensive options to throw at Texas’ shooters and ball-handlers, the Gamecocks will try to force turnovers and transition points. Conversely, Texas will need to execute cleanly, avoid mistakes, and make timely shots to withstand South Carolina’s pressure.
4. Rebounding Battle
   One of the defining characteristics of South Carolina is their dominance on the boards, especially on the offensive glass. Texas will need to focus on boxing out and securing defensive rebounds, as second-chance opportunities could prove to be the difference in a game of this magnitude.

Prediction

This matchup is a tough one to call, but South Carolina has the edge in a few key areas that could give them the victory.

1. Defensive Consistency: South Carolina’s defense is arguably the best in the country, and their ability to lock down key players like Harmon and Underwood will be pivotal. With Beal and Cooke leading the way defensively, the Gamecocks should be able to force Texas into difficult shots.
2. Size and Physicality: The Gamecocks have the advantage in the post with Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso. Their size and physicality should help them control the paint on both ends of the floor, limiting Texas’ ability to dominate inside.
3. Experience in Big Games: Dawn Staley’s experience in high-pressure situations gives South Carolina an advantage. They’ve been here before, and their ability to execute in crunch time, coupled with their veteran leadership, will be invaluable.

Final Score Prediction: South Carolina 72, Texas 66

While Texas is an incredibly talented team, South Carolina’s defense and rebounding should prove to be the difference in this tightly contested game. Expect a physical, intense battle, with South Carolina pulling away in the final minutes.

This South Carolina vs. Texas matchup is poised to be one of the most exciting games of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Both teams bring unique strengths and will test each other in ways that could determine who emerges as the 2025 national champions.