South Carolina Gamecocks Triumph Over Texas Longhorns in NCAA Women’s Final Four

In an electrifying semifinal matchup at the 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four, the South Carolina Gamecocks powered through to the National Championship game, securing a 74-57 victory over the Texas Longhorns. The win marked another significant step for head coach Dawn Staley and her squad, as they continue their quest for a second consecutive national title. The performance by key players such as Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Joyce Edwards were pivotal in the Gamecocks’ dominant showing.

Game Recap

The South Carolina Gamecocks entered the game with high expectations, but facing a formidable opponent in the Texas Longhorns, the stakes were at their highest. Texas, led by their own star players, came into the game with momentum, having toppled several top-ranked teams throughout the tournament. Yet, it was the Gamecocks’ defensive prowess, balanced offense, and sheer determination that ultimately carried them to the victory.

From the opening tip, it was clear South Carolina came prepared for the challenge. Their defense was stifling, forcing Texas into difficult shots and taking advantage of every opportunity to capitalize on turnovers. The Gamecocks’ rebounding advantage was also a key factor, as they dominated the glass, particularly on the offensive end, securing multiple second-chance points.

While South Carolina’s defense set the tone, it was their offensive firepower that really separated them from Texas. Te-Hina Paopao, the Gamecocks’ standout guard, was a constant threat on both ends of the floor. She led her team in scoring with 14 points, while also contributing 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Paopao’s ability to control the tempo of the game and hit crucial shots when needed was a major factor in South Carolina’s success.

Joyce Edwards also played a vital role in the Gamecocks’ win. The forward not only put up an impressive 13 points but also recorded a double-double, grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists. Edwards was a relentless force on the boards, constantly battling for possession and giving South Carolina extra opportunities. Her ability to facilitate the offense with her passing also opened up additional scoring opportunities for her teammates, further solidifying her place as one of the most versatile players on the court.

Bree Hall, though not the leading scorer, made her presence felt with 11 points, a steal, and a block. Her defensive efforts were crucial in keeping Texas’ scorers in check, and her ability to stretch the floor on offense kept the Longhorns’ defense on their toes. Hall’s well-rounded game and ability to impact both sides of the ball made her a key contributor to the Gamecocks’ overall success.

The Texas Longhorns’ Struggles

Despite a strong season and an impressive run in the tournament, the Texas Longhorns were ultimately unable to overcome the Gamecocks. The Longhorns, led by their star players, struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout much of the game. South Carolina’s suffocating defense forced Texas into tough shooting situations, with several of their key players being unable to create clean looks.

The Longhorns’ top scorer, whose name had been synonymous with clutch performances throughout the tournament, found themselves frustrated by South Carolina’s defensive schemes. The Gamecocks executed their game plan to near perfection, doubling down on Texas’ most dangerous players and making it difficult for them to get the ball in their preferred spots. South Carolina’s constant pressure made it clear that they were determined to advance to the National Championship game.

In the first half, Texas found themselves on the backfoot, unable to keep up with the Gamecocks’ pace. South Carolina’s lead grew steadily as they chipped away at the Longhorns’ defense, with both Paopao and Edwards providing scoring bursts that Texas could not counter. As the game wore on, the Longhorns’ offense appeared increasingly disjointed, and their efforts to mount a comeback fell short.

Despite some bright spots from Texas throughout the game, including strong performances from their role players, it was clear that South Carolina was the better team on this night. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Gamecocks had sealed their 74-57 victory and punched their ticket to yet another National Championship game.

Dawn Staley’s Leadership

For South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, the victory was another testament to her ability to lead her team to the biggest stages in women’s basketball. This will be her second straight appearance in the National Championship game, solidifying her status as one of the greatest minds in college basketball.

Staley’s coaching strategy throughout the game was evident in how South Carolina maintained control. She emphasized defense, which disrupted Texas’ rhythm, and made sure her players were in the right positions at all times. Her ability to get the most out of her players and keep them focused on the ultimate goal – winning a national championship – has been a hallmark of her career at South Carolina.

Staley’s leadership goes beyond the Xs and Os, though. She’s fostered a culture of excellence at South Carolina, building a program that consistently competes for the highest honors in women’s college basketball. Her ability to inspire her players and keep them grounded even when faced with adversity has played a crucial role in South Carolina’s continued success.

The Road Ahead: The National Championship

With their 74-57 win over Texas, the South Carolina Gamecocks are now one step away from securing another national title. They will face the winner of the UCLA vs. UConn matchup, two teams that have proven themselves to be formidable opponents throughout the season.

South Carolina will enter the National Championship game with immense confidence, having navigated a difficult path to get there. The Gamecocks have proven that they can handle any challenge, whether it be through their suffocating defense, balanced scoring attack, or ability to execute under pressure. The chemistry between their star players, including Paopao, Edwards, and Hall, will be crucial in their pursuit of another title.

While South Carolina has already made its mark as one of the elite programs in college basketball, a second consecutive national championship would further solidify their place in history. The team is eager to make history and add another championship banner to their already impressive collection.

Players to Watch

As the Gamecocks prepare for the National Championship, several players will be crucial to their success. Te-Hina Paopao will continue to be the focal point of South Carolina’s offense, as her ability to score and facilitate will be essential against either UCLA or UConn. Her poise and leadership have been crucial throughout the tournament, and she will need to continue to be a steady presence in the National Championship game.

Joyce Edwards’ all-around game will also be vital. Her ability to dominate the boards and create second-chance opportunities will be essential in controlling the tempo of the game. Additionally, her playmaking ability as a forward gives South Carolina a unique dimension that few teams can match.

Bree Hall will be another key player for the Gamecocks. Her defensive prowess and versatility on offense make her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Hall’s ability to impact the game in a variety of ways allows her to contribute even when she’s not the focal point of the offense.

South Carolina’s Legacy

South Carolina’s run to the National Championship is a continuation of their growing legacy in women’s basketball. Since Dawn Staley took over as head coach, the Gamecocks have transformed into one of the top programs in the country. Their consistent success in the NCAA Tournament, combined with their strong recruiting and player development, has positioned them as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball.

This program’s evolution under Staley’s leadership has been nothing short of remarkable. What started as a program with potential has now blossomed into a juggernaut, capable of competing for and winning national titles year after year. A second consecutive title would not only be a huge achievement for this team but also serve as a statement that South Carolina is here to stay at the top of the women’s college basketball landscape.

The South Carolina Gamecocks’ 74-57 victory over the Texas Longhorns in the NCAA Women’s Final Four was a complete and commanding performance that once again showcased the team’s talent, depth, and resilience. With key players like Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Joyce Edwards stepping up when it mattered most, and head coach Dawn Staley guiding the team with her trademark leadership, South Carolina is on the verge of achieving something special – a second consecutive national championship.

As the Gamecocks prepare for their National Championship showdown, the excitement surrounding the program is palpable. The winner of UCLA and UConn will provide a worthy opponent, but South Carolina’s combination of defense, scoring ability, and mental toughness makes them a formidable force. Whether it’s repeating as champions or adding another title to their storied history, the Gamecocks have already cemented their place as one of the elite programs in women’s college basketball.

Congratulations to the South Carolina Gamecocks – and here’s to the next chapter in their quest for greatness.