### South Carolina Gamecocks Clinch Third Consecutive SEC Title with Dominant Victory Over Texas The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team has once again proven their dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) by clinching their third consecutive SEC Tournament title and ninth overall under head coach Dawn Staley. They achieved this remarkable feat by defeating the top-ranked Texas Longhorns 64-45 in the championship game held in Greenville, South Carolina. This victory not only solidifies their status as a powerhouse in women's college basketball but also positions them favorably for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, where they are expected to secure a No. 1 seed [https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/no-5-south-carolina-routs-no-1-texas-64-45-for-9th-sec-championship-in-the-last-11-years]. ### Breakdown of the Game and Key Performers 1. **Game Overview**: - South Carolina showcased a strong defensive performance, never trailing during the game. - The Gamecocks outscored Texas significantly in the second quarter, which was pivotal for their victory [https://www.wistv.com/article/sports-entertainment-south-carolina-texas-sec-tournament-championship/64113234]. 2. **Key Players**: - **Chloe Kitts**: Led the Gamecocks with 15 points and 9 rebounds, earning the tournament MVP award [https://www.nbcsports.com/womens-college-basketball/news/no-5-south-carolina-routs-no-1-texas-64-45-for-9th-sec-championship-in-the-last-11-years]. - **Tessa Johnson**: Contributed 14 points, showcasing her scoring ability [https://www.nbcsports.com/womens-college-basketball/news/no-5-south-carolina-routs-no-1-texas-64-45-for-9th-sec-championship-in-the-last-11-years]. - **Joyce Edwards**: Added 11 points, continuing her strong performance throughout the tournament [https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-womens-basketball-team-advances-to-sec-championship-with-win-over-oklahoma/64106577]. 3. **Coaching Insights**: - Coach Dawn Staley expressed pride in her team's performance, emphasizing the hard work that led to this championship, especially considering the increased competition in the SEC with the addition of teams like Texas and Oklahoma [https://www.clutchpoints.com/ncaa-basketball/south-carolina-womens-basketball-news-dawn-staley-proud-admission-9th-sec-title]. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Game Statistics**: - South Carolina's defense forced Texas into 18 turnovers, which they capitalized on for 9 points [https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/no-5-south-carolina-routs-no-1-texas-64-45-for-9th-sec-championship-in-the-last-11-years]. - The Gamecocks finished the SEC Tournament with a record of 3-0, defeating their opponents by an average margin of 18 points [https://www.nbcsports.com/womens-college-basketball/news/no-5-south-carolina-advances-to-sec-tournament-title-game-with-93-75-win-over-no-10-oklahoma]. ### Conclusion: A Dominant Season Ahead In summary, the South Carolina Gamecocks have solidified their position as a dominant force in women's college basketball by winning their third consecutive SEC title. Their impressive performance against Texas not only avenged an earlier loss this season but also sets them up as strong contenders for the NCAA Tournament. 1. **Key Takeaway**: South Carolina's ability to maintain a strong defensive strategy and capitalize on turnovers was crucial in their championship win. 2. **Future Outlook**: With a record of 30-3 and a seven-game winning streak, the Gamecocks are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming NCAA Tournament [https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/news-we-re-going-lose-matters-chloe-kitts-makes-bold-south-carolina-claim-ahead-2025-march-madness]. This victory not only highlights their current form but also reinforces their legacy in women's basketball under the leadership of Coach Dawn Staley.