"This one, however, was never close as Texas made its first seven shots and led 14-0 after five early South Carolina turnovers before Tessa Johnson finally hit a 3 to get the Gamecocks on the board. Carlton outscored South Carolina by herself in the first quarter, finishing with 13 points as Texas built a 27-12 lead by shooting 68% from the field."
"Texas shot 57% from the field to avenge last year's 19-point loss to the Gamecocks in the championship game. The powerhouse programs split two tightly contested meetings earlier this season, with the Longhorns winning 66-64 at a neutral site in November and the Gamecocks earning a measure of revenge with a 68-65 win on their home floor in January."
"With a large South Carolina crowd on hand, the Longhorns didn't let up, pushing the lead to 17 at the break -- the largest halftime deficit in the SEC tournament for South Carolina under coach Dawn Staley. South Carolina managed to get within 11 with 5:22 left, but Lee answered with a 3 and later pushed the lead to 16 with a driving layup with two minutes left."
Texas defeated South Carolina 78-61 to capture the SEC tournament title, marking the Longhorns' first championship since joining the conference in 2024. Madison Booker led Texas with 18 points and earned tournament MVP honors, while Justice Carlton contributed 15 points and Jordan Lee added 12. Texas dominated from the opening moments, making its first seven shots and building a 14-0 lead fueled by South Carolina turnovers. The Longhorns shot 57% from the field overall and 68% in the first quarter, establishing a 27-12 lead. Texas maintained control throughout, leading by 17 at halftime—the largest halftime deficit South Carolina has faced under coach Dawn Staley in SEC tournament play. South Carolina's 12-game winning streak ended despite Joyce Edwards scoring 13 points.
Read at ESPN.com
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