COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The South Carolina women’s basketball team is SEC Champions once again after taking down the top-ranked Texas Longhorns, largely due to a dominant second-quarter performance.
After a slow first quarter, the Gamecocks came alive in the second.
The combined play of MiLaysia Fulwiley, Joyce Edwards and Tessa Johnson sparked a massive run. Texas failed to score for the first 7 minutes and finished with 6 total points in the period.
SEC Player of the Year Madison Booker was held in check for the majority of the game. It took until the second quarter to score her first points, finishing with 10 points on 4-13 shooting. SC did a great job of making it difficult for her, switching and giving the forward different looks all game.
The Gamecocks dominated on all phases of the game in the first half. South Carolina went into halftime with a 33-16 lead.
Both teams fought for every basket in the third, similar to the first.
The third quarter had been a struggle for the Gamecocks lately, allowing teams to come back in both of their last games. This time, the team adjusted and responded to every basket the Longhorns made.
Sania Feagin drove to the paint for a layup to end a stint where both teams didn’t score in over 2 minutes. Feagin ended with 11 points, 7 of which were in the third.
Feagin ended the quarter with a big three to give South Carolina a 52-33 lead.
In a slow-moving fourth, Chloe Kitts hit a jumper to give SC their first points. Kitts was awarded SEC Tournament MVP after her elevated play over the last few weeks. Her 15 points led all scorers and made clutch baskets throughout the tournament.
After only having 3 points, Madison Booker scored 7 straight for the Longhorns, down 14 with 2 minutes left in the game.
South Carolina immediately responded and scored 6 straight, bringing the lead to 20 with a minute left.
The Gamecocks went on to win 64-45, giving them their third-straight SEC Title.
South Carolina will look to ride this momentum into the NCAA Tournament, which will begin March 19. Selection Sunday will take place March 16, where the Gamecocks are likely to hold a #1 seed.
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