Texas and South Carolina met for the second time this season, with the Longhorns hoping to repeat their earlier win over their SEC rivals. The stakes were much higher this time than in the first matchup, and while Texas won that one, both programs came into this game under different circumstances. The result was another intense, competitive contest between two teams who might feel the officials didn’t do them many favors.

When the No. 2 and No. 4 teams in the nation meet, things usually get physical, and this game was no different. Fans at Colonial Life Arena made it clear they weren’t happy with the officiating, showering the officials with boos. And honestly, who could blame them?

The fourth quarter saw several questionable decisions go against the Gamecocks. With 7:57 left, Tessa Johnson drove to the rim and scored, but was called for an offensive charge. According to reporter Matt Dowell, fans were not happy, especially since that bucket could have tied the game.

Moments later, with 5:34 remaining, Madina Okot and Raven Johnson were both whistled for fouls in quick succession, with Okot picking up two. This only frustrated fans even more, and according to Matt Dowell, Colonial Life Arena was filled with boos directed at the officials.

In the end, South Carolina pulled out a 68–65 win, but the officiating remained a topic of discussion. Texas had 22 fouls, and South Carolina had 16 by the time it was over. Hard not to be concerned about that!

With all that said, Coach Staley asked her team for one thing before the game, and they followed through, which helped them secure their sixth win in the last ten meetings with Texas.

South Carolina players respond to Coach Staley’s demands

Ahead of the game, Coach Staley discussed how South Carolina needed to improve its shooting to beat Texas and set a clear target. “You gon’ have to put more than 65 points on the scoreboard to beat Texas,” she said after the 65–43 win over Georgia.

Turns out the golden number was 68.

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It was an improved shooting night for South Carolina compared to their last game against Georgia, where they shot 38% from the field. Against Texas, the Gamecocks shot 44% from the field, though their three-point shooting was still not up to the mark.

The Gamecocks made just four three-pointers against Texas and shot 36% from deep. This was still a major improvement from their last game against Georgia, where they hit only two threes and shot 12% from beyond the arc. Only two South Carolina players made a three tonight — Tessa Johnson knocked down three of them, while Madina Okot joined her with one.

While there are still clear areas for improvement, Coach Staley can sleep well knowing her team delivered what she asked for and got revenge against the only team to beat them this season.