South Carolina Can Repeat As National Champions After Dominant Victory Against Texas

The Gamecocks were led to victory by Joyce Edwards' double-double performance.

Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts after defeating the Texas Longhorns during the semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks will play for second consecutive national championship on Sunday after defeating the No. 1 Texas Longhorns 74-57 at the 2025 NCAA Women's Championship Final Four game in Tampa, Florida. They advance to the National Championship game for the third time in four seasons under head coach Dawn Staley.

Joyce Edwards posted a double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and one steal in the victory. Te-Hina Paopao scored 14 points, going 5-of-6 from the field on 3-for-4 three-pointers. Her teammate Bree Hall notched 11 points, one rebound, and a steal for the Gamecocks.

Joyce Edwards is the first player with 10+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5 + assists off the bench in the #FinalFour in the last 25 seasons.

Outstanding performance! 🏀#SouthCarolinavsTexas #FinalFour https://t.co/yVR59tMjal pic.twitter.com/gna8fewrby

— Wilton C. Jackson II (@WiltonReports) April 5, 2025

"I feel like my teammates gave me the confidence," Joyce Edwards said in her postgame interview.

Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) dribbles against Texas Longhorns guard Shay Holle (10) during the fourth quarter in the semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Texas Longhorns standout Madison Booker struggled after the first quarter with foul trouble. The Gamecocks limited her to 5-of-11 from the floor for just 11 points.   Jordan Lee was the UT leading scorer with a 6-for-12 peformance, while hitting 3-of-7 from beyond the arc.

The Gamecocks had a 38-35 advantage coming out of the locker room after halftime.  Dawn Staley's team used a strong defensive effort while scoring on 51% of their baskets to outscore South Carolina 20-9 in the third quarter.

The Dawn Staley era 🔥 @GamecockWBB pic.twitter.com/8yVkScnzph

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 5, 2025

Texas was unable to surpass the reigning national champions, falling 13-16 in the fourth quarter. South Carolina awaits the winner of the No. 1 UCLA versus No. 2 UCONN Final Four match.  

Dawn Staley's coaching has always been a source of inspiration and mutual respect in the HBCU basketball community. Hopefully, the Gamecocks will be primed and ready for Sunday's championship game.

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TEAM STATS

Field Goals

• Texas: 22-56 (39.3%)
• South Carolina: 29-57 (50.9%)

Three-Pointers

• Texas: 4-10 (40%)
• South Carolina: 7-11 (63.6%)

Rebounds

• Texas: 29
• South Carolina: 36

Assists

• Texas: 10
• South Carolina: 17

Fast Break Points

• Texas: 3
• South Carolina: 15

Points In The Paint

• Texas: 22
• South Carolina: 40

Fouls

• Texas: 17
• South Carolina: 15

Largest Lead

• Texas: 8
• South Carolina: 20

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