GREENVILLE, S.C. — In a stunning display of dominance, the Texas women’s basketball team claimed its first Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament title by defeating South Carolina 78-61 on Sunday at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Madison Booker led the charge with 18 points, while Justice Carlton contributed 15, propelling the No. 4 Longhorns to victory over the No. 3 Gamecocks.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Texas (31-3), who secured the SEC tournament title in only their second season in the conference. The triumph likewise serves as a sweet redemption, as they had previously defeated South Carolina in the Players Era Tournament in Las Vegas earlier this season.
Texas wasted no time asserting its dominance, jumping to a 14-0 lead within the first few minutes of the game. Carlton was instrumental in this early surge, scoring 13 points in the first quarter alone and helping the Longhorns build a commanding 27-12 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Freshman Aaliyah Crump took charge in the second quarter, contributing seven points to help Texas extend its lead to 45-28 at halftime. Despite only scoring eight points in the first half, Booker elevated her game in the second half, finishing with 14 points and earning the MVP honors for the tournament.
Chants of “M-V-P” echoed from a section of the crowd, which was predominantly filled with South Carolina supporters, as Booker hit a crucial late jumper that helped seal the win. She was joined on the all-tournament team by Rori Harmon and Carlton, highlighting Texas’s strong performance throughout the tournament.
Key Performers and Statistics
Throughout the game, Texas showcased a well-rounded team effort. Booker’s performance was complemented by Carlton’s efficiency, as she shot 6-of-8 from the field. The Longhorns capitalized on South Carolina’s mistakes, turning 13 turnovers into 14 points.
The Gamecocks struggled offensively, shooting only 40% from the field in the first half and were unable to recover from the early deficit. Their attempts to close the gap in the second half were met with resistance from the Longhorns, who maintained their lead with effective defense and timely scoring.
Looking Ahead
As Texas celebrates this historic win, the team now awaits the NCAA Tournament selection committee’s decisions. With their impressive performance throughout the season, a No. 1 seed appears to be on the horizon. This potential seeding could allow Texas to host its Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games in Fort Worth, avoiding a trip to Sacramento, California.
The NCAA Tournament bracket will be revealed on March 15, providing further clarity on Texas’s path forward. Meanwhile, the Longhorns will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the national tournament.
Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on the game and the Longhorns’ prospects in the NCAA Tournament in the comments below.
