South Carolina Gamecocks Triumph Over Texas Longhorns in NCAA Women’s Final Four: A Historic Victory

The South Carolina Gamecocks have once again cemented their place in NCAA Women’s Basketball history with a dominant 74-57 win over the Texas Longhorns in the 2025 Women’s Final Four. This thrilling matchup saw South Carolina showcase their power, skill, and resilience as they delivered a commanding performance in front of a packed crowd. With key contributions from their standout players, Joyce Edwards, Bree Hall, and Te-Hina Paopao, the Gamecocks proved why they are a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball.

This game was not just a victory in terms of the scoreline; it was a statement performance by a team that had already built a reputation for excellence. South Carolina’s victory sends them to the national championship game, where they would aim to continue their march towards what could be their second consecutive NCAA title. Let’s break down the game, highlighting the key moments, individual performances, and what this win means for the Gamecocks.

Pre-Game Anticipation and Stakes

As the Final Four approached, excitement around the matchup between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Texas Longhorns had reached a fever pitch. Both teams had been dominant throughout the season, each boasting deep rosters filled with talent. South Carolina, led by Head Coach Dawn Staley, entered the game as the defending national champions and the top seed in the tournament. Texas, under the guidance of Coach Vic Schaefer, had proven themselves as a formidable opponent, with a stout defense and the ability to execute clutch plays under pressure.

The stakes were high, with both teams knowing that a trip to the national championship was on the line. For South Carolina, this game represented an opportunity to prove that their title defense was no fluke and that they were worthy of being called the best team in the nation. For Texas, the Longhorns were determined to upset the defending champions and continue their own journey toward NCAA glory.

The Game Begins: A Strong Start for South Carolina

The game began with an intensity that immediately captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. South Carolina came out firing on all cylinders, playing with the confidence and poise of a team that had been here before. Texas, on the other hand, was not intimidated. The Longhorns’ defense was stifling, and they made it clear early on that they would not give up anything easy.

However, South Carolina quickly took control of the tempo, thanks in large part to the stellar performances of their star players. Te-Hina Paopao, known for her scoring ability and leadership, came out aggressive from the very first possession. Paopao’s ability to drive to the basket and finish in traffic, combined with her smooth jump shot from the perimeter, made her a constant threat for the Longhorns’ defense. With a combination of scoring and playmaking, Paopao gave South Carolina the early advantage.

On the other side, Joyce Edwards, the Gamecocks’ versatile forward, was an unstoppable force in the paint. Edwards, a key player all season long, showcased her ability to dominate both ends of the court. She grabbed key rebounds, dished out assists, and scored efficiently. Her 13-point, 11-rebound performance was a perfect example of her all-around game.

Bree Hall, the Gamecocks’ crafty guard, was also crucial in the first half. Hall’s ability to space the floor with her shooting and her quickness on both sides of the ball gave South Carolina the added dimension they needed to keep Texas on its heels. Together, Paopao, Edwards, and Hall formed an offensive juggernaut that Texas struggled to contain throughout the game.

Te-Hina Paopao: The Offensive Catalyst

While Joyce Edwards was a force in the paint, it was Te-Hina Paopao who emerged as the top scorer for South Carolina in the game. Paopao finished with an impressive 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. Her performance was the catalyst for South Carolina’s high-scoring output, and it was clear that she was the driving force behind their offensive attack.

Paopao’s ability to create her own shot was evident early on. Whether she was driving to the hoop or hitting clutch three-pointers, Paopao was always in control of the offense. Her 14 points came in a variety of ways, including a fast break layup, a mid-range jumper, and a key three-pointer in the third quarter that helped to stretch South Carolina’s lead.

Beyond her scoring, Paopao also demonstrated excellent court vision and playmaking ability. She dished out multiple assists, setting up her teammates for easy baskets. Her basketball IQ was on full display, as she always seemed to know where the ball needed to be and when to make the right pass. Her two steals also highlighted her defensive tenacity, as she was able to disrupt Texas’ offense at key moments.

Paopao’s ability to take over the game in critical stretches was one of the defining factors in South Carolina’s victory. Her leadership and poise under pressure helped to calm the team when Texas made runs and kept the Gamecocks ahead on the scoreboard.

Joyce Edwards: Dominating in the Paint

While Paopao was the team’s leading scorer, Joyce Edwards was the game’s most impactful all-around player. Edwards had 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, an incredibly well-rounded stat line that showcased her dominance both offensively and defensively. She was a constant presence in the paint, where she used her size, strength, and basketball IQ to impose her will on the game.

Edwards’ rebounding ability was crucial in South Carolina’s success, as she grabbed key offensive and defensive boards that allowed the Gamecocks to control the tempo. Her 11 rebounds were a game-high, and she was able to corral crucial boards in the second half that allowed South Carolina to maintain their lead and avoid any serious Texas runs.

Offensively, Edwards was just as effective. Her scoring ability in the post was a nightmare for Texas defenders. Whether it was a quick turnaround jumper or a powerful move to the basket, Edwards had a variety of ways to score. Her 6 assists also highlighted her ability to find teammates in scoring positions, as she made excellent passes out of double teams or when the defense collapsed on her.

Edwards’ all-around game was a major reason why South Carolina was able to dominate the game. She not only filled the stat sheet but also played with a level of intensity and passion that fueled the entire team.

Bree Hall: The X-Factor

While Paopao and Edwards were the focal points of South Carolina’s offense, Bree Hall played a crucial role in maintaining the team’s balance and providing a steady presence on the court. Hall’s quickness, ball-handling skills, and shooting ability were critical in breaking down Texas’ defense. She finished the game with key contributions, including several clutch baskets and strong defensive plays.

Hall’s ability to space the floor with her shooting allowed Edwards and Paopao to operate more freely, as Texas could not afford to leave her open on the perimeter. Hall also showcased her toughness on defense, making key stops and forcing turnovers. Her ability to contribute on both sides of the ball helped South Carolina to stay ahead throughout the game.

Hall’s presence allowed South Carolina to diversify their offense and keep the Longhorns guessing. Her ability to drive to the basket, hit mid-range jumpers, and play tough defense made her an indispensable part of the Gamecocks’ Final Four victory.

Texas Longhorns: A Strong Effort, but Not Enough

The Texas Longhorns fought valiantly throughout the game, but despite a strong team effort, they could not overcome South Carolina’s offensive firepower and defensive intensity. Texas was led by standout performances from guards, but their efforts fell short in key moments. The Longhorns struggled to stop Paopao’s scoring outbursts and were unable to contain Edwards in the paint.

Texas’ defense had moments of brilliance, particularly in the first half when they managed to slow down South Carolina’s high-powered offense. However, as the game progressed, the Gamecocks’ depth and versatility wore down the Longhorns. Texas had difficulty keeping up with South Carolina’s pace, and their offensive execution faltered in the second half as the Gamecocks stretched their lead.

While the Longhorns may have lost this battle, their season was still an impressive one, and they have a bright future ahead. Their resilience and grit in the face of adversity will serve as a valuable learning experience as they continue to build towards future success.

Conclusion: A Historic Victory for South Carolina

With their 74-57 victory over the Texas Longhorns, the South Carolina Gamecocks are once again headed to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game. This win was a testament to their strength, depth, and determination. Led by the dynamic trio of Te-Hina Paopao, Joyce Edwards, and Bree Hall, South Carolina proved that they are more than just the defending champions—they are a team of champions who are ready to continue their pursuit of excellence.

For South Carolina, this victory is another milestone in what has been a remarkable journey under the leadership of Head Coach Dawn Staley. Her ability to develop talent, instill a winning mentality, and guide the Gamecocks to greatness has been a key factor in their success. As they prepare for the national championship game, the Gamecocks will look to finish what they started and secure another title for their storied program.

This victory also marks a significant moment for women’s college basketball. With the Gamecocks showcasing their talent and passion, they continue to inspire the next generation of players and fans. The NCAA Women’s Final Four has once again proven to be a stage for incredible basketball, and South Carolina has shown that they are ready to leave their mark on the sport for years to come.

As the final buzzer sounded and the South Carolina players celebrated their hard-fought victory, it was clear that this team was not only a force in 2025 but could be the team to beat for years to come. The future of women’s basketball is bright, and South Carolina is leading the way.

This expanded version highlights the performance of the players and key moments in the game, breaking down their contributions and what led to South Carolina’s victory over Texas in the NCAA Women’s Final Four. Would you like me to elaborate on any specific aspect or add further details?