Texas Longhorns Women’s Basketball Falls to South Carolina in Final Four, 74-57: A Hard-Fought End to a Historic Season

The Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament with a sense of determination and a roster full of talent, aiming to capture their first national title since 1986. However, after a season filled with promise, intense competition, and high expectations, the Longhorns fell short in the Final Four, losing 74-57 to the defending national champion South Carolina Gamecocks. It was a hard-fought battle, one that showcased the resilience of the Texas squad, but ultimately, South Carolina’s depth, experience, and star power proved to be too much for the Longhorns to overcome.

While the loss was disappointing, it doesn’t overshadow the remarkable journey the Longhorns took to reach the Final Four. Under the guidance of head coach Vic Schaefer, Texas women’s basketball has been on the rise, and the program has now firmly established itself as one of the top teams in the nation. Despite falling short in the semifinals, the Longhorns’ run to the Final Four marks a significant achievement for the program and sets a strong foundation for future success.

1. The Road to the Final Four: Texas’ Resilient March

Texas entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament as one of the top teams in the country, with a solid regular season that included wins over several ranked opponents and a Big 12 Championship under their belt. Head coach Vic Schaefer, who took over the program in 2020, has made significant strides in reshaping the Longhorns into a true national contender. The team boasted a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, making them a well-rounded and dangerous force in the tournament.

Texas’ path to the Final Four was no easy feat, as they faced numerous challenges from teams across the nation. After a first-round bye, the Longhorns easily dispatched their next few opponents, cruising through the second and third rounds with dominant performances. However, it wasn’t until the Elite Eight that the Longhorns were truly tested. In a high-stakes matchup against the number two-seeded Stanford Cardinal, Texas faced a fierce challenge from a team that had been one of the top programs in women’s college basketball for years.

Despite the pressure, Texas responded with poise and grit, using a balanced attack led by senior guard Rori Harmon and junior forward Taylor Jones. Harmon, known for her leadership and playmaking ability, provided the spark for the offense, while Jones dominated inside with her rebounding and scoring. The Longhorns’ defense, which had been a hallmark of Schaefer’s coaching philosophy, was suffocating, and they held Stanford to just 62 points in a hard-fought 72-62 victory.

That win sent Texas to the Final Four for the first time since 2003, sparking an outpouring of excitement among the team’s fanbase and the entire Texas athletics community. Schaefer’s team had now reached the pinnacle of college basketball, and they were determined to make the most of this historic opportunity.

2. South Carolina: The Defending Champions

Standing in the way of the Longhorns’ title aspirations was South Carolina, the defending national champions and one of the most dominant teams in the history of women’s college basketball. Led by head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina had been nearly unbeatable all season, finishing the regular season with an impressive 33-1 record. With a roster filled with future WNBA talent and a stifling defense, the Gamecocks were the heavy favorites in the Final Four matchup.

At the heart of South Carolina’s dominance was Aliyah Boston, the 2023 Naismith College Player of the Year and one of the most formidable players in women’s college basketball. Boston, a 6-foot-5 forward, is known for her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Her rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring ability made her an all-around threat, and she had been the catalyst for the Gamecocks throughout their championship run.

South Carolina also boasted a deep roster that included standout players like Zia Cooke, Laeticia Amihere, and Kamilla Cardoso, all of whom were capable of taking over games at a moment’s notice. The Gamecocks’ blend of star power and depth was unmatched, and they had proved throughout the tournament that they were a team capable of overwhelming any opponent.

Despite the challenges posed by South Carolina’s formidable lineup, Texas was confident in their ability to compete. The Longhorns had already proven they could handle adversity and come out on top, but facing South Carolina in the Final Four would require them to play their best game of the season.

3. The Game: A Tale of Two Halves

The much-anticipated Final Four matchup between Texas and South Carolina began with an electric atmosphere in the arena. Fans from both schools filled the stands, creating a charged environment that added to the intensity of the game. From the opening tip, it was clear that this would be a physical and fast-paced contest, with both teams eager to assert their dominance.

In the first half, Texas came out strong. The Longhorns’ defense was aggressive, contesting every shot and making it difficult for South Carolina to find rhythm offensively. Rori Harmon, the engine of Texas’ offense, pushed the tempo, and the Longhorns were able to create good looks for their shooters. Taylor Jones, who had been a key contributor throughout the tournament, was also effective in the paint, using her size and strength to battle South Carolina’s interior players.

Despite a strong start, Texas found themselves struggling to score consistently as the first half progressed. South Carolina’s defense, which had been stifling throughout the tournament, was just as tough in this game. The Gamecocks used their length and athleticism to disrupt Texas’ offensive flow, and they quickly capitalized on turnovers and missed shots. Aliyah Boston was especially dominant in the paint, scoring efficiently and grabbing crucial rebounds.

As the game wore on, South Carolina began to pull away. Zia Cooke provided an offensive spark for the Gamecocks, knocking down key shots and pushing the ball in transition. By halftime, South Carolina had built a solid lead, 38-27. Texas had fought hard, but their inability to convert on offense and limit South Carolina’s second-chance opportunities proved to be the difference.

In the second half, Texas made a concerted effort to close the gap. Schaefer’s squad came out with renewed energy, and they were able to cut the deficit to single digits at several points. Harmon, Jones, and senior forward DeYona Gaston all stepped up to make key plays. However, every time Texas made a run, South Carolina answered with a timely basket or a crucial defensive stop.

Boston continued to dominate the paint, and her presence was felt on both ends of the floor. Her ability to finish around the basket and protect the rim was a constant source of frustration for the Longhorns. Additionally, South Carolina’s bench players stepped up, with players like Kamilla Cardoso and Laeticia Amihere contributing vital minutes and scoring.

Despite the Longhorns’ best efforts, they could not overcome the Gamecocks’ depth and talent. South Carolina’s defense was simply too much, and the Gamecocks were able to seal the game with a series of free throws in the final minutes. The game ended with a 74-57 victory for South Carolina, sending the Gamecocks to their second consecutive national championship game.

4. The Aftermath: What’s Next for Texas?

While the loss was undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow, the Texas Longhorns had a lot to be proud of. Their journey to the Final Four was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and growth as a program under Vic Schaefer. They had battled through adversity, faced some of the best teams in the country, and shown the world that they were a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball.

Looking ahead, the future of Texas women’s basketball is incredibly bright. The team has a solid core of talented players, including Rori Harmon, who is expected to return for another season. With Schaefer at the helm, the Longhorns are poised to continue their upward trajectory and remain a top contender in the NCAA Tournament. The experience gained from this Final Four appearance will only serve to strengthen the team in the years to come.

For the seniors, such as Harmon and Gaston, this loss marks the end of an era for Texas. However, their contributions to the program will not be forgotten. The legacy they leave behind will serve as a foundation for future success, and their leadership was instrumental in getting Texas to the Final Four.

As for South Carolina, their victory solidified their status as one of the premier programs in the nation, and they will be a formidable opponent in the national championship game. For Texas, the challenge now is to build on this experience and continue their ascent toward the ultimate goal: a national championship.

5. Conclusion: A Bright Future for Texas Women’s Basketball

While the 74-57 loss to South Carolina in the Final Four was a heartbreaking end to what had been an incredible season, it was also a moment of reflection and hope for the future of Texas women’s basketball. The program is in a strong position, and under the guidance of Vic Schaefer, the Longhorns are well on their way to becoming one of the most consistent and competitive teams in the nation.

As the team continues to build and grow, Texas fans can take solace in the fact that their women’s basketball program is in capable hands. The Longhorns’ future looks bright, and they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons. With a young and talented roster, coupled with Schaefer’s proven track record, Texas is poised to return to the Final Four again—and this time, they hope to finish what they started.