Taking stock of the SEC basketball race after South Carolina WBB loss to Texas

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is known for its intense competition across all sports, and women’s college basketball is no exception. As the 2025 season reaches its midpoint, the SEC race has grown increasingly competitive, and one of the most significant storylines this season has been the performance of the South Carolina Gamecocks. However, a recent loss to Texas has brought attention to the SEC women’s basketball landscape, and fans and analysts alike are reevaluating the dynamics within the conference. In this article, we’ll take stock of the SEC basketball race, considering how South Carolina’s unexpected loss to Texas may affect the conference standings and the future of the season.

South Carolina’s Reign and the Texas Loss

For much of the past decade, South Carolina has been the gold standard of women’s college basketball. Under head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have established themselves as a perennial powerhouse, claiming national championships and consistently competing for the top spot in the SEC. This season, South Carolina has been widely regarded as one of the most dominant teams in the country, boasting an incredibly talented roster with players like Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Laeticia Amihere.

However, despite their overwhelming success, the Gamecocks faced a major setback when they lost to Texas earlier this season. The Longhorns, led by head coach Vic Schaefer, were able to exploit some of South Carolina’s weaknesses, particularly in the first half, which ultimately led to a 72-63 victory for Texas. For the first time in a long while, South Carolina found themselves on the losing end of a high-profile matchup, and the defeat raised several important questions about the Gamecocks’ prospects in the remainder of the season.

This loss was particularly notable because South Carolina had been undefeated up to that point, and many believed the team had the potential to go through the entire season without suffering a defeat. South Carolina’s loss to Texas—coupled with the competitive nature of the SEC—has shifted the landscape of the conference race, and teams like LSU, Tennessee, and Mississippi State are beginning to see an opening. While South Carolina remains a formidable force, their loss to Texas has sparked renewed excitement about the possibility of other teams claiming the SEC crown.

The Changing SEC Landscape

South Carolina’s loss to Texas has been a significant turning point in the SEC women’s basketball race. With the Gamecocks’ once-unblemished record now marred by a defeat, the other teams in the SEC are chomping at the bit to challenge them for the top spot. Let’s take a closer look at how the SEC is shaping up and which teams are emerging as serious contenders.

LSU: The Tigers Are Gaining Ground

LSU has been one of the most impressive teams in the SEC this season. Led by the dynamic Angel Reese, who has been one of the most dominant players in the country, the Tigers are looking like the team to beat in the conference. Reese has put up jaw-dropping numbers this season, and LSU’s high-scoring offense and tough defense make them a major threat in both SEC play and the NCAA tournament.

Under the leadership of head coach Kim Mulkey, LSU has continued to evolve and grow as a team. Mulkey, a three-time NCAA champion and one of the most successful coaches in women’s college basketball, has quickly transformed LSU into a legitimate contender. LSU’s combination of veteran players and rising stars makes them an intriguing team in the SEC race. With South Carolina’s loss to Texas, LSU’s path to the top of the SEC is more clear than ever before, and the Tigers will be looking to capitalize on this opportunity.

Tennessee: A Contender to Watch

Tennessee has also emerged as a formidable force in the SEC this season. Head coach Kellie Harper’s team has consistently been a contender in the SEC, and this year is no exception. The Lady Vols are led by standout players like Jordan Horston and Tamari Key, both of whom are capable of taking over a game at any time. Tennessee’s balanced offense and strong defense give them the tools they need to compete with anyone in the conference.

After South Carolina’s loss, Tennessee is one of the teams that stands to benefit from any potential slip-ups by the Gamecocks. The Lady Vols have the talent to challenge South Carolina for the SEC title, and their experience in big games could serve them well down the stretch of the season. Tennessee’s ability to play tough defense and control the tempo of the game will be key as they look to make a statement in SEC play and beyond.

Mississippi State: The Dark Horse

Mississippi State has long been one of the most consistent programs in the SEC, and despite not always being in the spotlight, the Bulldogs are more than capable of making a run for the top spot in the conference. Mississippi State has a strong defensive identity, and under head coach Nikki McCray-Penson, they have shown the ability to compete with the best teams in the league.

With star players like Jessika Carter, Mississippi State has the talent to challenge teams like South Carolina and LSU. The Bulldogs have a reputation for being tough and physical, and they are a team that can create matchup problems for many of the high-scoring teams in the SEC. Mississippi State will be looking to use South Carolina’s loss to Texas as motivation to make a statement in the SEC standings and position themselves for a potential run at the top.

Alabama and Kentucky: Teams on the Rise

While the teams mentioned above are likely the frontrunners in the SEC race, other programs like Alabama and Kentucky are quietly making strides and could be ready to challenge for a top spot. Alabama, in particular, has been playing with a high level of intensity this season and has shown the ability to knock off ranked opponents. The Crimson Tide’s ability to make a deep run in SEC play will depend on their consistency and ability to compete against the conference’s elite.

Kentucky, under head coach Kyra Elzy, has also been showing flashes of brilliance. With players like Rhyne Howard and Jada Walker leading the charge, the Wildcats have the talent to compete with the best. Although Kentucky has been inconsistent at times this season, they are capable of getting hot and making a run, especially if they can find ways to improve on the defensive end.

The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament: A Crucial Factor

As the SEC basketball season enters its final stretch, the race for the regular-season title will intensify. However, the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament will play a key role in determining which teams have the momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament. Historically, the tournament has been a platform for teams to make a statement, and it will be no different in 2025.

For South Carolina, the loss to Texas could be a wake-up call to ensure that they stay focused and avoid any further slip-ups. For teams like LSU, Tennessee, and Mississippi State, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of any vulnerability the Gamecocks may have. With so many talented teams in the SEC, the tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive in recent memory.

The Road Ahead: What’s at Stake?

The remainder of the SEC season will be full of exciting matchups, with plenty at stake for all teams involved. South Carolina will undoubtedly look to bounce back from its loss to Texas, but the pressure is mounting from teams that see an opening. LSU, Tennessee, and Mississippi State will continue to push for a top spot in the conference, knowing that every win is vital in securing a favorable seed in both the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

For South Carolina, the loss to Texas serves as a reminder that the path to a championship is never easy. They have the talent and experience to overcome setbacks, but the rest of the SEC is hungry to dethrone them. For the other SEC teams, the race is wide open, and they now have a real shot at securing the top spot in the conference.