AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Madison Booker showcased her skills with an impressive performance, contributing 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Rori Harmon’s clutch free throws in the final moments sealed a monumental win for No. 4 Texas over No. 2 South Carolina, with a final score of 66-62 on Sunday. This victory brought an end to the Gamecocks’ remarkable 57-game winning streak in Southeastern Conference regular-season games dating back to 2021.
Harmon proved to be the hero as she calmly sank two free throws with just 10.8 seconds remaining, extending Texas’ narrow lead to a decisive four-point gap. South Carolina had a chance to level the score with a 3-point attempt by Sania Feagin in the closing seconds, but it fell short, allowing Harmon to secure the rebound and ensure the Longhorns’ eighth consecutive victory, maintaining their perfect home record of 20 straight wins dating to January 2024.
Kyla Oldacre, Texas’ backup center, delivered a stellar performance in the final quarter, scoring eight of her 13 points to help secure the win for the Longhorns (24-2, 10-1 SEC). On the other side, MiLaysia Fulwiley led South Carolina with 13 points, but their 17-game winning streak this season came to an end, despite solid contributions from Joyce Edwards and Chloe Kitts, who each added nine points.
While Oldacre shone in the second half, the starting center Taylor Jones made a significant impact in the first half, finishing with 11 points and six rebounds.
Noteworthy stats from the game include South Carolina’s shooting percentage of 36.8%, marking their third-lowest field goal percentage of the season. Texas, under the guidance of Coach Vic Schaefer, improved their record against South Carolina’s Dawn Staley to 4-14, with Schaefer’s previous matchups against Staley dating back to his tenure at Mississippi State from 2012-2020.
A pivotal moment came when the 6-foot-6 Oldacre executed consecutive layups, propelling the Longhorns to a 64-59 lead with 2:21 remaining. Texas dominated in the paint, outscoring South Carolina 40-26, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring their opponents 19-12 in that category.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to return to action on Thursday, with South Carolina hosting Florida and Texas traveling to face off against Kentucky.
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