South Carolina Dominates Texas in Players Era Championship Matchup

Las Vegas, NV – In a thrilling contest at the Players Era Championship, the No. 2 South Carolina women’s basketball team triumphed over No. 4 Texas on November 27, 2025, securing a spot in the championship game of the tournament.

The Gamecocks, boasting a perfect 7-0 record, showcased their strength at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, delivering a commanding 31-point performance in the first half to set the tone for the game. Texas, now 6-1, struggled to keep pace, with South Carolina’s defense forcing numerous turnovers and dominating the boards.

Midway through the second quarter, South Carolina extended its lead further following a layup by Madina Okot, assisted by Tessa Johnson, bringing the score to 29-25. Jordan Lee later made a jumper, extending the lead to 27-21, while the Gamecocks executed a solid block party, combining for six blocks in the match.

Coach Dawn Staley praised her team’s defensive efforts, stating, “Our defense is our foundation. We focus on disrupting the opponent’s rhythm, and tonight it paid off.” South Carolina’s block percentage is notably strong this season, ranking third in the nation with 21.7 percent of opponents’ two-point attempts being blocked.

Joyce Edwards led the Gamecocks in scoring, demonstrating her versatility on the court. Following the victory, Edwards commented, “We prepared all week for this matchup. Winning this game is a step closer to where we want to be.”

The championship showdown is set for tomorrow, where South Carolina will face either No. 3 UCLA or another strong competitor, further adding to the excitement of the ongoing tournament.