GREAT NEWS: South Carolina Gamecocks Are Headed Back to the National Championship: Dominant Third Quarter Leads to 74-57 Victory Over Texa

South Carolina Gamecocks Are Headed Back to the National Championship: Dominant Third Quarter Leads to 74-57 Victory Over Texa

 

The South Carolina Gamecocks are once again on the biggest stage in college basketball. In a highly anticipated Final Four showdown, Dawn Staley’s undefeated South Carolina women’s basketball team pulled away from Texas with a statement-making 74-57 victory

, punching their ticket to the national championship game. Fueled by a game-changing third quarter, the Gamecocks proved why they’ve been the team to beat all season long.

 

This win marks yet another milestone for the South Carolina program, which has become a powerhouse under Staley’s leadership. The Gamecocks have now advanced to their fourth national championship game in school history, continuing a run of dominance that has defined the program over the past decade.

 

The first half was a competitive affair, with both teams trading runs and battling for momentum. Texas came into the game with grit and determination, aware that they would need a near-perfect performance to topple the No. 1 team in the nation. Early on, they were able to keep pace, using their physicality and transition play to stay within striking distance. At halftime, the Gamecocks held a slim lead, but the game still hung in the balance.

 

Then came the third quarter — a masterclass in dominance and execution from South Carolina. What had been a closely contested battle quickly turned into a showcase of the Gamecocks’ depth, defensive intensity, and offensive firepower. South Carolina outscored Texas 29-6 in the third period, completely flipping the game on its head and silencing any hopes of a Longhorns comeback.

 

The turning point was sparked by South Carolina’s stifling defense. The Gamecocks locked down the paint, forced turnovers, and limited Texas to just two made field goals during the third quarter. Every possession became a struggle for the Longhorns, and the Gamecocks turned defense into offense in devastating fashion. Rebounds turned into fast-break points, and crisp ball movement created open looks on the perimeter.

 

Offensively, it was a balanced attack from South Carolina. The Gamecocks had multiple players step up, showcasing their versatility and depth — two trademarks of this undefeated squad. Star forward Kamilla Cardoso anchored the post, dominating the paint with her rebounding and shot-blocking. Her presence altered shots and limited second-chance opportunities for Texas, while her scoring touch kept the Gamecocks comfortably in control.

 

Meanwhile, freshman phenom MiLaysia Fulwiley continued to show why she’s one of the brightest young stars in the sport. Her energy, ball-handling, and ability to create off the dribble helped ignite the offensive surge in the third quarter. Combined with the leadership and poise of veterans like Raven Johnson and Te-Hina Paopao, the Gamecocks moved the ball with precision and found high-percentage shots throughout the second half.

 

Head coach Dawn Staley deserves immense credit for the adjustments made at halftime. South Carolina came out with renewed focus and elevated their defensive intensity to a level that Texas simply could not match. It was a textbook display of how a great team can flip the script and impose its will on the game when it matters most.

 

For Texas, it was a disappointing end to what had been an impressive tournament run. They entered the game with a potent offense and the size to compete, but the Gamecocks’ overwhelming defense and depth ultimately wore them down. South Carolina’s 17-point victory is a reflection of just how dominant this team can be when firing on all cylinders.

 

Now, the Gamecocks stand just one win away from completing a perfect season. With a 37-0 record and a chance to claim their third national title under Dawn Staley, South Carolina enters the championship game with sky-high confidence and unmatched momentum. They’ve answered every challenge this season and look poised to finish the job.

 

The win over Texas wasn’t just another notch on the belt — it was a message. The Gamecocks are more than just the top seed. They’re the standard. And on the biggest stage in women’s college basketball, they’ll now have the chance to cement their place in history.

 

With the national title on the line, South Carolina will take the court knowing that greatness awaits. The Gamecocks have been here before, and after a dominant Final Four performance, they look ready to finish what they started.