Markeshia Grant previews the South Carolina Gamecocks' matchup with the Texas Longhorns

🏀🔥 Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, provides GamecockCentral readers with analysis of South Carolina women's basketball.

South Carolina women’s basketball is one game away from an unprecedented sixth straight SEC title, and they’ll face a familiar foe in Texas. The two programs met in November at the Global Impact Tour in Baltimore, where the No. 2 Longhorns edged out the No. 3 Gamecocks, 60-53.

The two juggernauts will face off again on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET in Greenville, S.C., in what is sure to be an epic clash of two elite programs.

After cruising through the first half, Oklahoma battled back in the third quarter, cutting into South Carolina’s lead with some stifling defense of their own and key triples from freshman point guard Alexis Ingle.

However, the Gamecocks responded with a flurry of points of their own to maintain their lead throughout the second half en route to a 93-75 victory to punch their ticket to their sixth-straight SEC title game.

Gamecock game highlights

South Carolina had five players in double figures (Sania, Chloe, Joyce, MiLaysia, and Tessa), shot 47.4% from the floor, had 19 assists, dominated the paint, won the rebounding battle 42-41, and had seven steals. The bench showed up big adding 56 points with Maryam Dauda being a game-changer, helping hold Raegan Beers to just seven points.

Standout Performances

Sania Feagin – The Anchor

Sania had 14 points on another efficient shooting day going 7-of-9 (77%)—hitting several crucial mid-range jumpers.

Chloe Kitts – Versatility at its Best

Chloe put her versatility on full display once again, knocking down mid-range jumpers, finishing put-backs, and setting up her teammates for easy buckets. She had 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Point Guard Play

South Carolina’s point guard play was steady, with Papao and Raven combining for six points, eight assists, and just one turnover, controlling the tempo of the game.

Bench Production – Seatbelt Gang

South Carolina’s bench came up big against Oklahoma, delivering 56 bench points for the fourth time this season with key contributions from Joyce, MiLaysia, Tessa and Maryam.

Maryam Dauda – Game-Changer

Maryam was a game-changer adding five points, three rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Her versatility showed up in the most crucial moments in the matchup with Raegan Beers. She battled hard in the paint, made Beers turn the ball over, scored on her, got her into foul trouble, and helped keep her to just seven points.

The Gamecocks look to carry this momentum into the SEC Championship game and secure their third straight title.

Up Next: South Carolina Gamecocks 29-3 vs. Texas Longhorns 31-2

The Rematch We’ve Been Waiting For: South Carolina vs. Texas

Dawn Staley. Vic Schaefer. South Carolina. Texas. No co-champions. No coin flip. This is for all the bragging rights—who is really the best team in the SEC? I personally think this is to solidify a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. This is another chance to put the spotlight on two defensive powerhouses in women’s college basketball.

Key Matchups to Watch

Guard Play vs. Madison Booker

Guard Play vs. Rori Harmon

Post Play vs. Texas Post Play

Gamecocks’ Advantages

South Carolina’s depth, defensive intensity, speed, and athleticism give them the edge. To control the game, they must push the tempo and be ready for Texas’ full court man defense.

Keys to the Win

1. Keep the main thing, the main thing – Stay focused and control the pace.

2. Set the tone early – HIT FIRST, don’t let up, and keep the momentum for 40 minutes.

3. Lock in on defense – The Gamecocks’ stifling man-to-man defense holds teams more than 20+ points below their season average.

4. Bench production – South Carolina’s Seatbelt Gang has been dominating, leading the nation in bench points per game. Their depth will be crucial in this matchup.

5. Win the rebounding battle – When the gamecocks win the rebounding battle, they normally win the game. WIN THE PAINT!

6. Take care of the ball – Averaging 16.8 assists per game, ball movement will be key. Especially on the road in a tough environment.

7. Force turnovers – South Carolina forces about 17 TOs per game, while Texas averages 13.2 TOs per game.

8. Convert at the free-throw line – Texas is foul-prone averaging 17 fouls per game, so the Gamecocks