South Carolina secures SEC Championship with defensive win over Texas, 64-45

SEC CHAMPS!

The South Carolina Gamecocks secured their ninth SEC Tournament title by defeating the top-ranked Texas Longhorns 64-45 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

South Carolina held Texas scoreless for the first six and a half minutes of the second quarter. During this stretch, the Gamecocks extended their lead from two points to 17.

The Lady Gamecocks' defense was instrumental in this game, limiting the Longhorns to a season low of 45 points and holding SEC Player of the Year Madison Booker to just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting.

On the offense, South Carolina dominated in the paint with 46 points with standout performances from the Gamecocks' front line. Sania Feagin had 11 points and six rebounds, including a three-pointer at the buzzer. Tessa Johnson added 14 points, including a 2-3 from three, and played outstanding defense on Booker.

Chloe Kitts scored 15 points, nine rebounds, earning her the tournament's MVP honors, and exited the game with a standing ovation with a little over a minute to go.

The tournament win not only secures South Carolina's third consecutive SEC Tournament win but also marks Dawn Staley's ninth title in the last 11 years. South Carolina's decisive victory over the Texas Longhorns showed their dominance, eliminating any doubt stemming from the coin flip used to determine the team as the No. 1 seed.