Dawn Staley has done it again.
Honestly, if you weren’t glued to the TV on Thursday night, you missed a classic. The South Carolina women’s basketball score ended up 68-65 in favor of the Gamecocks, but that three-point margin doesn't even begin to describe the tension inside Colonial Life Arena. Beating No. 4 Texas wasn't just another notch on the belt. It was a statement.
The Gamecocks are now 18-1. They’re sitting pretty at 5-0 in the SEC.
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But let’s be real—it was a grind. Texas came out swinging and actually led 20-13 after the first quarter. You could feel the collective breath holding in Columbia. Madison Booker was basically unstoppable for the Longhorns, dropping 24 points and making some of the most difficult contested jumpers you'll see all year. For a minute there, it felt like the Gamecocks might drop their first home game in what feels like forever.
How the South Carolina Basketball Women's Score Stayed in the Win Column
The turnaround happened in the second and fourth quarters. South Carolina outscored Texas 19-12 in the second to tie it up by halftime, and then they closed it out with a 20-16 surge in the final frame.
It wasn't pretty. It was tough.
Joyce Edwards is becoming a household name, and for good reason. She’s currently 14th in the nation in scoring, averaging 20.3 points per game. In the Texas matchup, the Gamecocks needed every bit of her efficiency. She’s shooting nearly 60% from the floor this season. Think about that for a second. In a game where every possession felt like a chess match, having a freshman who plays like a ten-year pro is a massive luxury.
The Defensive Masterclass
If you look at the box score, you'll see the Gamecocks held Texas to just 1-of-9 from the three-point line. That is 11%.
That’s the "Staley Effect."
The defense is currently ranked 12th in the country, allowing only 54.2 points per game. They aren't just fast; they're tall. With the addition of 6-foot-7 French sensation Alicia Tournebize mid-season, the "Big Ball" lineup is becoming a nightmare for opponents. They’re blocking 6.6 shots per game. Basically, if you try to go into the paint against this team, you're probably going to have a bad time.
Breaking Down the SEC Dominance
A lot of people think the SEC is just a cakewalk for South Carolina. It’s not.
Sure, they've won 11 straight games. Yes, they dominated Arkansas 93-58 and cruised past Georgia 65-43 recently. But the Texas game showed that when the elite teams show up, the Gamecocks have to find a different gear.
- The Bench Strength: While the starters get the headlines, the depth is what kills teams. Raven Johnson is still the engine, averaging over 5 assists.
- The Newcomers: Agot Makeer has been a revelation on the boards. She recently pulled down 10 rebounds against Providence and continues to be a spark plug.
- The Efficiency: The team is shooting 51.5% from the field. That’s third in the entire country.
What's Next on the Schedule?
The Gamecocks don't have long to celebrate the Texas win. They’re heading to Baltimore to face Coppin State on Sunday, January 18. It’s a noon tip-off on ESPN+.
People might overlook an HBCU matchup like this, but Staley never does. She’s 27-0 against HBCU teams since she took over in 2008. It’s a homecoming of sorts for the East Coast vibes, and while the talent gap is significant (Coppin State is 4-15), these games are where Staley fine-tunes the rotation before the gauntlet of Oklahoma and Vanderbilt later this month.
Why This Season Feels Different
We’ve seen undefeated runs before. We’ve seen the national titles in 2017, 2022, and 2024. But this 2025-26 squad feels like it has a chip on its shoulder after the runner-up finish last year.
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There’s a mix of "old" and "new" that’s just clicking. You've got the veterans like Chloe Kitts and Raven Johnson providing the leadership, but the recruiting classes are just absurd. Landing Jerzy Robinson (the No. 5 recruit) and Kaeli Wynn for the 2026 cycle just shows the momentum isn't slowing down.
The South Carolina basketball women's score is usually a reflection of their physical dominance, but lately, it's been about their mental toughness. They trailed against Texas. They struggled against Louisville back in December (winning 79-77). Each time, they found a way to win.
Actionable Insights for Gamecocks Fans:
- Watch the Paint: Keep an eye on the rebounding margin in the next few games. If South Carolina continues to out-rebound opponents by 13+, they are virtually unbeatable.
- Monitor the Free Throws: The team is shooting about 69% from the line. In close tournament games, that’s the one area where they could be vulnerable.
- Check the Rankings: Expect them to push for that unanimous No. 1 spot after the win over Texas.
- Follow the Road Trip: The Coppin State game is a rare Sunday noon start. Set those reminders early so you don't miss the tip-off.
The road to the Final Four in 2026 clearly runs through Columbia. Whether it's a blowout or a three-point nail-biter, this team knows how to finish. The score is just the final evidence of a culture that refuses to lose.