The No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks defeat No. 5 Texas to continue their winning streak.

In what will likely go down as one of the defining moments of the 2025 college basketball season, the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks secured a monumental victory over the No. 5 Texas Longhorns to extend their impressive winning streak. The game, held in front of a raucous home crowd at Colonial Life Arena, showcased the Gamecocks’ resilience, talent, and determination as they continued to assert themselves as one of the nation’s premier teams.

This victory was not just another win on the schedule; it was a statement to the rest of the NCAA that the Gamecocks are not only a force in the SEC (Southeastern Conference) but also a legitimate contender for a national championship. The win over Texas, a team many consider one of the best in the country, was a critical stepping stone for South Carolina, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure and to dominate against one of the most talented teams in college basketball.

In this article, we will dive into the details of this historic victory, examining the key performances, strategies, and moments that led to South Carolina’s triumph. Additionally, we will look at what this win means for the Gamecocks moving forward as they continue their quest for a national championship.

A Clash of Titans: South Carolina vs. Texas

The matchup between South Carolina and Texas was billed as one of the marquee games of the season. Both teams entered the game ranked among the top five in the nation, with South Carolina sitting at No. 2 and Texas at No. 5. The two teams had been dominant throughout the season, with both displaying exceptional depth, talent, and coaching. South Carolina, under head coach Lamont Paris, had been building momentum throughout the season, while Texas, led by Rodney Terry, was riding high on the strength of a potent offense and a staunch defense.

For South Carolina, this game was about continuing their momentum and proving that they were for real. After an undefeated streak to start the season, they were eager to prove they could compete with the elite teams in the country. Texas, on the other hand, was coming into the game with aspirations of solidifying themselves as one of the top contenders for the NCAA Tournament title, looking to make a statement with a win on the road.

Key Performances: South Carolina’s Star Players Shine

As expected, the Gamecocks’ victory was fueled by a number of standout performances from their key players. Murray-Boyles, the team’s star forward, once again proved why he is one of the most talked-about players in college basketball this season. His ability to stretch the floor, create his own shot, and contribute on both ends of the court was on full display against the Longhorns.

Murray-Boyles finished with a game-high 28 points, shooting an efficient 9-of-14 from the field and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. His ability to knock down crucial three-pointers in the second half allowed South Carolina to build a comfortable lead and hold off Texas’ late-game push. Murray-Boyles also contributed defensively, grabbing 8 rebounds and blocking 2 shots, showcasing his versatility as both an offensive and defensive force.

But it wasn’t just Murray-Boyles who stepped up for the Gamecocks. Jeremiah Williams, South Carolina’s dynamic guard, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the offense and keeping Texas’ defense on its heels. Williams, known for his ability to distribute and score in the clutch, finished with 12 points and 9 assists, adding a steadying presence for his team. His leadership on the court was crucial in keeping the offense flowing smoothly and in making sure South Carolina’s lead never slipped away.

Another key contributor was Josh Gray, who provided much-needed energy off the bench. Gray’s defensive tenacity and ability to push the tempo helped the Gamecocks establish a fast pace early on, catching Texas off guard. Gray finished with 10 points, including several crucial fast-break layups that extended South Carolina’s lead.

On the defensive end, South Carolina’s team defense was a major reason for their success. The Gamecocks held Texas to just 40% shooting from the field and 30% from three-point range. Their ability to contest shots, force turnovers, and limit easy baskets disrupted Texas’ offensive flow and kept them from finding any rhythm throughout the game.

Texas’ Effort: A Tough Loss for the Longhorns

While South Carolina emerged victorious, Texas certainly did not go down without a fight. The Longhorns came into the game with a potent offensive attack, led by Dylan Disu, a standout forward known for his ability to score from inside and outside the paint. Disu was one of the few bright spots for Texas, finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds. His size and skill in the post allowed him to create mismatches, but even his strong individual performance couldn’t carry the Longhorns to victory.

Marcus Carr, Texas’ senior point guard, struggled throughout the game against South Carolina’s defense. Carr, who is typically one of the Longhorns’ most reliable offensive players, was limited to just 8 points on 3-of-11 shooting. He had difficulty finding his rhythm and was frequently disrupted by the Gamecocks’ defense, particularly by Murray-Boyles and Williams, who took turns guarding him. Carr’s inability to facilitate the offense as effectively as he usually does put additional pressure on the rest of the Longhorns’ roster.

Another disappointing factor for Texas was their inability to contain South Carolina’s perimeter shooting. The Gamecocks shot a blistering 45% from three-point range, with several key buckets coming at crucial moments. Texas’ defense struggled to close out on shooters, and Murray-Boyles took full advantage, hitting timely shots that kept the Longhorns at bay.

Despite the loss, Texas did show moments of brilliance, particularly in the second half when they made a push to close the gap. Timmy Allen, a versatile forward for the Longhorns, contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to mount a full comeback. The Longhorns’ late-game rally fell short as South Carolina’s defense tightened, and their offense continued to execute efficiently in the closing moments.

The Turning Point: A Strong Second Half for South Carolina

While the first half was closely contested, with South Carolina holding a slight lead, it was in the second half that the Gamecocks truly asserted their dominance. After Texas briefly took the lead in the early minutes of the second half, South Carolina responded with an explosive run, fueled by Murray-Boyles’ three-point shooting and timely baskets from Williams and Gray.

One of the key moments came midway through the second half when South Carolina went on an 18-4 run that stretched their lead to double digits. This run was highlighted by two back-to-back three-pointers from Murray-Boyles, both of which seemed to deflate the Texas defense and shift the momentum in favor of the Gamecocks. During this stretch, Texas struggled to find any answers, with turnovers and missed shots piling up.

South Carolina’s defense was also a major factor in this critical stretch. They continued to switch effectively, contest shots, and force Texas into difficult, contested attempts. With 5:30 left in the game, South Carolina had established a 12-point lead, and despite a late surge from Texas, they were able to close out the game with solid free-throw shooting and excellent ball movement.

What This Victory Means for South Carolina

This victory over Texas is a landmark win for South Carolina, and it further solidifies their status as one of the nation’s top teams. With a perfect record and undefeated streak intact, the Gamecocks have proven they can compete with and defeat the very best teams in college basketball. The win also carries significant implications for the SEC standings, as South Carolina continues to show that they are not only the best team in the conference but one of the top contenders for the NCAA Tournament title.

Moving forward, this win serves as both a confidence booster and a validation of the work done by head coach Lamont Paris and his staff. It provides the Gamecocks with the momentum they need to tackle the rest of the SEC schedule with the belief that they can go toe-to-toe with anyone.

For Murray-Boyles, this game may have been a breakout moment on the national stage. As one of the most talented players in college basketball, his performance against Texas further cements his status as a future NBA prospect and a leader for South Carolina. If he can continue playing at such a high level, the Gamecocks will be a serious threat in the postseason.

Looking Ahead: South Carolina’s National Championship Aspirations

As the season progresses, South Carolina’s national championship aspirations are becoming clearer. With a strong roster, an experienced coaching staff, and key players like Murray-Boyles, Williams, and Gray, the Gamecocks have all the ingredients needed to make a deep run in March. Their win over Texas is a clear indicator that they are ready to challenge for the title, and their confidence will be sky-high heading into the rest of the season.

This victory also sends a message to the other top teams in the country: South Carolina is not just a team to be respected, but one that is here to compete for it all. With their continued focus, improvement, and commitment to both ends of the floor, the Gamecocks have set themselves up as one of the most dangerous teams in college basketball.