You’ve seen the hype, you’ve heard the talk in the stands, and now the moment is finally here. Tonight, the No. 4 Texas Longhorns head into the lion's den—or rather, the Gamecocks' nest—to take on No. 2 South Carolina. It is a heavyweight bout in the truest sense. If you are frantically looking for your remote and wondering what channel is Texas Longhorns playing on today, take a breath.
The game is airing nationally on ESPN2.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT (7:00 p.m. ET) at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. Honestly, if you follow SEC women's basketball, you know this isn't just another conference game. This is a potential preview of the Final Four.
Where to Watch the Texas vs. South Carolina Game
Basically, if you have a standard cable package, you’re good. ESPN2 is the home for tonight’s clash. But if you’ve cut the cord, don't panic. You can find the stream on the ESPN app or through various streaming services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV.
The broadcast team is top-tier tonight. We’ve got Ryan Ruocco handling the play-by-play, with the legendary Rebecca Lobo providing analysis. Holly Rowe will be on the sidelines, likely getting the real-time scoop from Vic Schaefer and Dawn Staley.
If you're stuck in the car and can't get to a screen, you can catch the radio broadcast on AM 1300 The Zone in the Austin area or via the TexasSports.com live stream. Craig Way and Kathy Harston will be on the call, and if you've ever listened to Way, you know he brings a certain energy that makes you feel like you're sitting courtside.
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Game Day Quick Facts
- Matchup: No. 4 Texas Longhorns (18-1, 3-1 SEC) vs. No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks (17-1, 4-0 SEC)
- Time: 6:00 p.m. CT
- Location: Colonial Life Arena | Columbia, S.C.
- Channel: ESPN2
- Radio: AM 1300 The Zone / SiriusXM Channel 190
Why This Matchup Is Different
This isn't just about a win or a loss. It's about a budding rivalry that has become the gold standard of the sport. In just over a year, these two teams have met six times while both were ranked in the top five.
Think about that.
South Carolina holds a slim 3-2 edge in that stretch, but Texas beat them earlier this season in Las Vegas to win the Players Era Championship. That night, Rori Harmon was an absolute force, hitting the game-winning shot and taking home MVP honors. South Carolina hasn't forgotten that.
The Gamecocks are currently on a 10-game winning streak. Their defense is suffocating, ranking third in the nation in field goal percentage allowed. It’s kinda scary how well they rotate on the perimeter.
Players to Keep Your Eye On
Rori Harmon is the engine that makes Texas go. She is currently 12 steals away from breaking the all-time Texas record of 346, set way back in 1980 by Linda Waggoner. While she might not get twelve tonight, her defensive pressure is what usually sets the tone for the Longhorns.
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Then there’s Madison Booker. She recently became only the fifth player in program history to record a triple-double. Her versatility at her size makes her a nightmare to guard, especially when she's facilitating for Jordan Lee, who has been on a scoring tear lately.
On the other side, you’ve got Joyce Edwards. She’s a National Player of the Year candidate for a reason. In SEC play, she's been averaging seven rebounds a game and blocking everything in sight.
Recent Form and Momentum
Texas is coming off a tough loss against LSU, where they just couldn't quite close the gap in the final minutes. They’re 18-1, but that "1" is fresh. How they respond to that adversity in a hostile environment like Columbia will tell us everything we need to know about their ceiling this season.
South Carolina, meanwhile, is just... South Carolina. They’ve only allowed one team to reach 70 points all season. They are deep, they are tall, and they play with a level of physicality that usually wears teams down by the fourth quarter.
Viewing Options for Every Fan
If you aren't at home, here is how you handle it:
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- Mobile: Use the ESPN app. You’ll need your service provider login.
- Sling/Fubo: These are great if you’re in a free trial phase or looking for a cable alternative.
- Local Bars: In Austin, places like Posse East or any spot on Rainey Street will almost certainly have the game on.
It’s worth noting that if you’re looking for the Men’s Basketball game, they aren't playing today. They’ll be taking on Texas A&M this Saturday, January 17, at the Moody Center. That game is already sold out, so tonight’s women’s game is the primary focus for Longhorn Nation.
Actionable Strategy for Tonight
If you want to actually enjoy the game without the stress of "what channel is Texas Longhorns playing on today" five minutes before tip-off, set your DVR now. Check your local listings for ESPN2 because channel numbers vary by zip code and provider (Spectrum, DirecTV, etc.).
Make sure your ESPN app is updated if you're planning to stream. There is nothing worse than a forced update right when Harmon is bringing the ball up the court for the opening possession.
Watch the matchup in the paint. If Texas can keep South Carolina off the offensive glass—where the Gamecocks usually dominate—they have a real chance to sweep the regular-season series. If not, it’s going to be a long night in Columbia.
Get your snacks ready. Put on the burnt orange. This one is going to be a classic.