Texas saw its remarkable 2024-25 campaign end with a 74-57 loss to South Carolina in the Final Four, marking the program’s first national semifinal appearance since 2003. The defeat also denied the Longhorns a chance at redemption after falling to the Gamecocks in the SEC Tournament title game.
Head coach Vic Schaefer, who has battled Dawn Staley’s South Carolina teams since his Mississippi State days, once again came up short against the perennial powerhouse. Despite a decorated coaching record that includes multiple Final Four berths and SEC crowns, Schaefer’s squads have struggled to overcome this familiar obstacle.
Vic Schaefer, Texas Reflect on Final Four Exit After 74–57 Loss to Gamecocks
Texas’ memorable season came to a close Friday night as Schaefer’s Longhorns fell to South Carolina in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Tournament. In what was their first national semifinal appearance since 2003, the Longhorns were outmatched by a familiar opponent that has continually stood in their way.
“Congratulations to South Carolina,” Schaefer said in his postgame remarks. “I thought they played really well today. I thought they were tough. We always talk about toughness, and the game honors toughness—I thought they were really tough today.”
The Gamecocks, who also defeated Texas in the SEC title game earlier this season, imposed their will again, especially in the second half, when the Longhorns shot just 28 percent from the field. A pivotal moment came when standout forward Madison Booker picked up two quick fouls late in the first half, changing the rhythm of the game.
“Yeah, I didn’t think about [pulling her] at all. You watched us last year. She knows how to navigate that,” Schaefer said when asked about Booker’s foul trouble. “The second one came pretty quick… you certainly can’t get the second one. You sure can’t get it 22 seconds later. That was a big swing for sure, right there.”
Despite the loss, Schaefer emphasized his pride in his team, particularly seniors Shay Holle, Taylor Jones and Aaliyah Moore, who were central to the program’s rise.
“You’re never ready for today… you’re never prepared. I don’t ever write notes down in case this happens, because I don’t want to speak it into existence,” he said. “God blessed me with an incredible group of young ladies… They’re SEC champions. They went to the Final Four.”
Senior Shay Holle, one of the most accomplished players in program history, expressed gratitude despite the heartbreak.
“Like Coach said, it’s been such a blessing being on this team. That’s the best word for it,” Holle said. “Not only are they incredible basketball players, but such good people. I couldn’t have asked for a better last year.”
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Senior Taylor Jones, who transferred from Oregon State and battled injuries early in her career, shared similar sentiments.
“I would say making it to the Final Four is something I’ll always remember,” Jones said. “We just got along so well… I think it comes down to the relationships. Everyone at Texas has wanted to see me succeed.”
Junior guard Rory Harmon, who returned ahead of schedule from injury, was noncommittal about her future plans but acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment.
“It’s a family decision,” she said. “But right now, I’m just thinking about what these people around me deserve—my full attention, 100 percent effort.”
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