Highlights of the women’s SEC tournament title: South Carolina defeats Texas to win three straight

The South Carolina Gamecocks have once again etched their name in the history books, as they claimed their third consecutive SEC Tournament title with an impressive win over the Texas Longhorns. The game, which took place in a packed arena filled with passionate fans, was a showcase of South Carolina’s dominance, skill, and poise under pressure. For coach Dawn Staley and her players, this victory was not just another championship, but a testament to their relentless work ethic, resilience, and drive to stay on top.

As the Gamecocks continue to cement their place as one of the top programs in women’s basketball, this victory against Texas serves as a reminder of their greatness and their ability to perform on the biggest stage. Let’s take a deeper dive into the highlights of the game, the key performances, and what this championship means for South Carolina moving forward.

The Build-Up: A Historic Opportunity

Coming into the SEC Tournament Final, South Carolina was already the favorite. With their championship pedigree, having won back-to-back SEC titles, and their dominating performance throughout the regular season, the Gamecocks were poised to make history. Their opponent, the Texas Longhorns, had a strong season as well and was looking to make a statement on a national level by dethroning South Carolina.

Texas was coming off an impressive win in the semifinals, where they defeated a tough opponent, but facing the Gamecocks in the championship was a different level of challenge. South Carolina, led by their coach, Dawn Staley, was ready to show why they had been the team to beat in the SEC. With standout players like Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal, South Carolina had the firepower to dominate on both ends of the court.

For Texas, it was going to be a test of their resilience. Led by Vic Schaefer, the Longhorns had a balanced team with key players like Rory Harmon, Taylor Jones, and Aaliyah Moore, who had proven they could compete with the best. However, matching up against the sheer size, skill, and depth of South Carolina was going to be a tall order.

First Half: A Slow Start, Then a South Carolina Surge

The game began with a high level of intensity. Both teams came out looking to impose their will early, but there was an element of feeling each other out in the opening minutes. Texas’s defense was aggressive, trying to slow down South Carolina’s fast-paced offense and prevent them from dominating the boards. On the other hand, South Carolina’s defense was suffocating, forcing the Longhorns into tough shots and not giving them much room to operate.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Gamecocks at first. South Carolina’s offense was a bit out of sync early on, with some rushed shots and turnovers that allowed Texas to hang around. Rory Harmon of Texas did a great job of distributing the ball and keeping the Longhorns in the game. Her ability to drive the lane and create opportunities for her teammates helped Texas stay within striking distance.

Despite this, South Carolina’s depth and experience started to show as the first half wore on. Aliyah Boston, the dominant force in the paint, began to assert her presence. She was an absolute force on both ends of the floor, grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, and finishing in the paint with authority. Her ability to establish herself down low opened up opportunities for her teammates.

The Gamecocks also showed their versatility in the first half. Zia Cooke, who had been a key scorer for South Carolina all season, started to heat up from the outside. Her perimeter shooting was a key factor in stretching the defense, allowing South Carolina to find more driving lanes and create more open looks for other players. Brea Beal was also crucial in the first half, contributing on defense and hitting timely shots to help push the Gamecocks ahead.

By the time the buzzer sounded to end the first half, South Carolina had taken a 10-point lead. The Gamecocks’ defense had been relentless, and their offense had found a rhythm, thanks in large part to their big three—Boston, Cooke, and Beal. The Longhorns were not out of it yet, but they had to make adjustments in the second half to have a chance.

Second Half: South Carolina Pulls Away with Championship Pedigree

As the second half began, South Carolina wasted no time in asserting their dominance. They came out of the locker room with the intensity of a team determined to finish what they had started. On the other hand, Texas was struggling to find any answers, as their shots weren’t falling and South Carolina’s defense stifled their offensive flow.

One of the key turning points of the game came early in the second half. After a Rory Harmon turnover, South Carolina capitalized with a fast-break layup from Brea Beal, which extended their lead to 12 points. That play served as a reminder that South Carolina’s transition game was just as dangerous as their half-court offense, and they could beat teams in multiple ways.

Throughout the second half, Aliyah Boston continued to dominate, further solidifying her status as one of the best players in college basketball. The Gamecocks began to build on their lead with timely baskets from Zia Cooke and Brea Beal, both of whom were instrumental in pushing South Carolina’s lead to a comfortable margin. With each passing minute, the Gamecocks looked more and more like the champions they had been all season.

As Texas tried to mount a comeback, it was clear that they were running out of gas. Taylor Jones, one of Texas’s top players, was having difficulty dealing with the size and physicality of South Carolina’s frontcourt. Despite her best efforts, South Carolina was able to neutralize her impact with solid defense from Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso. The Gamecocks’ ability to shut down Texas’s best players was a huge factor in their eventual success.

As the clock ticked down and South Carolina’s lead grew, it became apparent that the Gamecocks were on their way to another SEC Tournament title. The crowd erupted when the final buzzer sounded, signaling a 75-58 victory for South Carolina. It was a dominant performance from start to finish, and the Gamecocks had proved once again why they were the top team in the SEC.

Key Performances: The Standouts of the Game

Aliyah Boston

Once again, Aliyah Boston showed why she is one of the best players in women’s college basketball. The senior forward was unstoppable in the paint, scoring 18 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Her ability to score efficiently, rebound at a high level, and provide a presence on defense was pivotal in South Carolina’s victory.

Zia Cooke

Zia Cooke also had a fantastic game, contributing 20 points and several key assists. Her ability to knock down timely three-pointers stretched Texas’s defense and gave South Carolina much-needed breathing room. Cooke’s ability to score in a variety of ways was a huge factor in the Gamecocks’ success.

Brea Beal

Brea Beal was another standout, finishing with 15 points and playing stellar defense. She was everywhere on the court, locking down Texas’s best players and contributing offensively when needed. Beal’s versatility was a key asset for South Carolina, especially when the game was on the line.

What This Championship Means for South Carolina

For South Carolina, this SEC Tournament title is another significant achievement in what has been a historic run under coach Dawn Staley. Winning three consecutive SEC championships is no small feat, and it solidifies South Carolina’s position as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.

This victory is also a confidence booster as the Gamecocks now turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament. With the No. 1 seed in the tournament on the line, South Carolina will look to continue their dominance and make a deep run toward another national championship.

For coach Dawn Staley, this victory adds another accolade to her already impressive coaching resume. Staley has built a program that is the gold standard in women’s basketball, and this championship is a testament to her leadership, vision, and ability to develop elite talent.

As for the players, this title will be a cherished memory for everyone on the team, particularly the seniors who are on the cusp of finishing their college careers. For Aliyah Boston, this SEC title adds to her legacy as one of the greatest players in South Carolina history, and it’s a perfect way to cap off her college career before heading to the professional ranks.

South Carolina’s Unstoppable Rise

South Carolina’s victory in the 2024 SEC Tournament is yet another chapter in what has been an extraordinary run for the Gamecocks. Their win over Texas highlighted their dominance on both ends of the floor, with contributions from every player and a championship pedigree that allowed them to close out the game in style. With the NCAA Tournament looming, South Carolina is poised to continue their reign and make another run at a national title.

The Gamecocks have proven that they are not just a team to beat in the SEC—they are a force to be reckoned with on the national stage. As the SEC Tournament champions, South Carolina heads into the postseason with confidence, momentum, and the knowledge that they can overcome any challenge. With the championship hardware now in hand, it’s time for the Gamecocks to take aim at their ultimate goal: another national championship.