Defending Champion South Carolina Cruises Past Texas 74-57 to Reach Title Game
South Carolina advanced to the NCAA Women's Championship game with a 74-57 win over Texas, highlighted by a key 11-0 run and strong bench contributions, setting up a showdown with UConn.
Published on April 5, 2025
Defending national champion South Carolina advanced to the NCAA Women’s Championship game on April 5, 2025, with a commanding 74-57 victory over Texas in the Final Four. Under Coach Dawn Staley, who remains undefeated in national title games, the Gamecocks showcased their depth and experience. A decisive 11-0 run in the third quarter helped South Carolina build a significant lead, with Te-Hina Paopao contributing 14 points and freshman Joyce Edwards adding a double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
South Carolina’s bench played a key role, contributing 35 points and underscoring the team’s reputation as the nation’s leader in bench scoring. With the win, the Gamecocks (35-3) set the stage for a national title clash against UConn, potentially becoming the first team since UConn’s 2013-2016 dynasty to win consecutive championships.