Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks suffered a massive upset against the Texas Longhorns on Thursday. The match, which was part of the 2025 “Players Era” tournament in Las Vegas, saw Texas stunning No. 2 South Carolina with a 66–64 win.
The game was a back-and-forth affair that came down to the last minute. The game was tied 64-64 when Texas had possession. Texas’ veteran guard Rori Harmon made the clutch go-ahead two-point shot to seal the game with just 7 seconds remaining.
TEXAS FOR THE LEAD WITH 0.7 SECONDS LEFT!!!! WHAT A SHOT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6a4Zp2fj2V
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 28, 2025
The loss didn’t go down well among South Carolina fans, with one fan going as far as saying that head coach Dawn Staley needs to be fired:
“Fire dawn Staley”
Some fans praised the quality of basketball played by Madison Booker & Co.
“Hooked ‘em in Vegas 🤘 Madison Booker is the best player in America and it’s not even close 😈💪” one fan wrote.
“UNREAL shot!! 😱 Texas came through in the clutch! What a finish!” another added.
“Elite late game shot creation 🥶” one fan commented.
“Insane finish! That’s the kind of moment you remember forever. 😳🔥🏀” one fan added.
“Ballin out tonight,” another wrote.
Texas’ Booker had a great game, contributing 16 points, nine rebounds and one assist. She was well supported by Jordan Lee (19 points) and Justice Carlton (13 points). On the other hand, South Carolina’s Joyce Edwards and Ta’Niya Latson each contributed 16 points each. Madina Okot (12 points) and Tessa Johnson (13 points) joined them as the only other two double digit scorers for Dawn Staley’s team.
This was South Carolina’s first loss of the season and it came right after South Carolina demolished Duke in the Players Era Championship semifinal game.
Dawn Staley Unbothered Despite South Carolina’s Defeat To Texas
Despite ending on the wrong side of a close game, Dawn Staley is taking lessons from it. After their loss against Texas, Staley said:
“I am not upset at all”
Not only that, but Staley also reportedly announced that the Gamecocks will be back at the
Players’ Era Tournament for the next two years.
NEWS: South Carolina’s Dawn Staley just announced that the Gamecocks will be back at the @Players_Era Tournament for the next two years.
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) November 28, 2025
After their latest loss on Thanksgiving Day, the Gamecocks have slipped to 7-1 on the season while Texas extended its unbeaten run to seven games.
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