In the aftermath of Texas’s 67-50 loss to South Carolina, Coach Vic Schaefer offered candid reflections on the game. He acknowledged the Gamecocks’ superior toughness, aggression, and discipline, stating, “They were who I thought they were.”
"Their leading scorers come off the bench ... that's a team over there."#Texas head coach Vic Schaefer with a ton of praise for South Carolina after the #Gamecocks beat his Longhorns 67-50.@abc_columbia pic.twitter.com/EMDrEMyNqt
— Noah Chast (@NoahChastTV) January 12, 2025
Schaefer admitted that his team was unprepared for the challenge, noting, “I just didn’t have my team ready to play.” He observed that South Carolina’s mental and physical toughness made his players uncomfortable, leading to uncharacteristic mistakes. Despite Texas securing more offensive rebounds and forcing turnovers, they struggled with shooting efficiency, which Schaefer attributed to South Carolina’s relentless defense.
He praised the Gamecocks’ defensive prowess, emphasizing their ability to contest shots and maintain composure. Schaefer also highlighted the importance of playing with an “edge” to compete at the highest level, suggesting that South Carolina exemplifies this mentality.
In conclusion, Schaefer took full responsibility for the loss, expressing a commitment to learn from the experience and prepare his team for future challenges. He acknowledged the need to fix certain issues and move forward, recognizing that no one would feel sorry for them.