The Texas Longhorns shocked the SEC by defeating the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks 78-61 in the 2026 SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship. Texas dominated early, scoring the first 14 points and building a significant lead of 27-12 in the first quarter, maintaining control throughout the game. Madison Booker led Texas with 18 points and earned MVP honors while Justice Carlton and Jordan Lee contributed 15 and 12 points, respectively. This victory marks Texas's first SEC title since joining the conference in 2024, ending South Carolina's three-year championship streak.

By the Numbers
  • Texas scored the first 14 points, leading 27-12 after the first quarter.
  • Texas finished the season at 31-3, winning their first SEC championship.
Yes, But

Despite a dominant performance, Texas faced criticism regarding their previous performance in the tournament against teams with strong records, which raises questions about their consistency in high-stakes situations.

State of Play
  • Texas completed a remarkable tournament run, showing strong teamwork and strategy.
  • South Carolina, despite their loss, remains a historically strong program with a recent championship legacy.
What's Next

The victory for Texas not only boosts their confidence but could lead to increased recruitment and stronger competitive positioning in upcoming seasons. South Carolina will need to reassess and strategize for next year's tournament to reclaim their title.

Bottom Line

This game signifies a major shift in SEC women's basketball, with Texas emerging as a formidable contender, marking a new era in competition, while South Carolina faces new challenges in maintaining their dominance.