Historic Victory for Texas Women’s Basketball
Texas Women’s Basketball has made a significant mark in its new conference, clinching the SEC Tournament Championship against the South Carolina Gamecocks with a decisive score of 78-61. This victory, which took place in Greenville, S.C., on March 8, 2026, marks Texas’s first SEC Tournament championship since joining the conference in 2024.
The Longhorns started the game with an impressive 14-0 run, setting the tone for their dominant performance. Madison Booker led the team with a game-high 18 points, while Justice Carlton contributed 15 points, shooting an impressive 6-for-8 from the field. Jordan Lee also played a crucial role, adding 12 points and successfully making both of her three-point attempts.
Texas’s offensive strategy proved effective, as they scored 51 percent of their points from the paint, totaling 40 points in that area. The team’s defense was equally formidable, forcing South Carolina to commit ten turnovers in the first half and not allowing them to score any three-pointers in the second half. Overall, Texas grabbed 35 rebounds during the game, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the court.
Vic Schaefer, the head coach of Texas Women’s Basketball, expressed his surprise at the team’s strong start, stating, “Did anybody, including me, think we’re going to jump out 14 to nothing in this game, in that arena with that team?” His leadership has been pivotal in guiding the Longhorns to this historic achievement, making him the first coach to win a women’s SEC tournament title at multiple schools.
On the other hand, South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley, acknowledged the challenges her team faced, saying, “Our team knows we didn’t play our best basketball, not nearly what we’re capable of doing.” She highlighted how Texas’s aggressive play forced South Carolina to adapt their game plan, leading to critical turnovers that hindered their performance.
This championship victory adds to Texas’s impressive season, as they now hold an overall record of 31-3, including 14 wins over AP ranked opponents, three of which were against top-five teams. The Longhorns have demonstrated their capability to compete at a high level, solidifying their status as a formidable force in women’s college basketball.
Looking ahead, Texas will await their seeding on Selection Sunday, which is scheduled for March 15. The anticipation surrounding their next steps in the NCAA tournament is palpable, as fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Longhorns will perform in the upcoming postseason.
