Ninth SEC Championship Win For Gamecocks
The South Carolina Gamecocks are no strangers to the SEC championship game. They came back and secured the SEC trophy for the third consecutive year. The No. 1-seeded Gamecocks left Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Sunday afternoon as champions after defeating No. 2 Texas 64-45 in the SEC Tournament title game. This championship marks South Carolina’s ninth SEC Tournament championship win. The victory over the Longhorns represents the first win against a No. 1 ranked team in program history.
On Fire Since The Tip-Off
South Carolina (30-3) led throughout the game, dominating with a 19-2 run at the start of the second quarter to establish a 33-16 advantage by halftime, thanks to their strong defense. Their lead grew to 21 points early in the fourth quarter, and the Gamecocks maintained control without facing further challenges.
Dawn Staley Coaches to Victory
“They are young people that come down here and perform to a high standard every single time they step on the floor and for that I am super proud of them,” Staley said. Coach Dawn Staley of South Carolina believed that winning this year’s SEC Championship would be more challenging than any of the school’s previous titles, especially after the league included Texas and Oklahoma. The Gamecock’s defense was the key to their victory over the Longhorns.
Chloe Kitts Tournament MVP
Chloe Kitts earned tournament MVP honors by nearly achieving a double-double, scoring a team-high 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds, including six points in the final quarter, which extended the Gamecocks’ lead to 20 points. She finished the tournament with a team-high average of 16.7 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game. Three Gamecocks were named to the All-Tournament Team: MiLaysia Fulwiley, Sania Feagin, and Chloe Kitts.
Both Teams to the NCAA Tournament
South Carolina’s resilience was crucial to their victory, leading to easier scoring opportunities and allowing them to outscore Texas 30-11 on uncontested field-goal attempts. The Gamecocks continue to break records and defy the odds. Both teams await the NCAA Tournament selection show, which will occur on Sunday, March 16, at 8 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN.
