As the Texas Longhorns’ defense transformed into a brick wall, it completely stifled the Gamecocks’ 57-game SEC regular-season win streak. The Gamecocks’ offense- otherwise a well-oiled machine- sputtered and stalled against the Longhorns’ relentless pressure. With each passing minute, Dawn Staley and the team’s frustration grew, giving way to rushed shots and forced passes.

Amidst the deafening roar of 10,000 fans, the Gamecocks seemed utterly bewildered on offense. The scoreboard seesawed, with the Longhorns consistently one step ahead. Struggling to regain balance, South Carolina was stuck in a disorienting loop of trying to catch up, but never quite closing the gap. Dawn Staley remained hopeful despite the setback, insisting, “We still control our own destiny.” However, to reclaim their momentum, the Gamecocks must rediscover their offensive rhythm first, prioritizing ball control and precision to dictate the pace of the game.

Recently, the head coach, Dawn Staley, herself admitted, “Texas disrupted us.” She further explained how Texas made it difficult for her team to execute a fluid offense. Well, it is true that the Longhorns’ defense was remarkable, attacking the Gamecocks early and often.

Although Texas struggled with ball control, the Longhorns exploited South Carolina’s errors to score 13 points and controlled the interior, outscoring the Gamecocks 40-26 in the paint. This defensive performance disrupted the Gamecocks’ flow, leaving them unable to mount a consistent attack. An additional pair of 3-pointers could have potentially shifted the momentum in their favor, altering the game’s outcome. Yet, despite finding some openings in the Longhorns’ defense during the second half, the Gamecocks were unable to cash in, hindered by their poor 26% shooting from 3-point territory.

However, Staley also brought to notice how the early foul trouble impacted her team’s tempo. The game’s early stages were marked by a flurry of whistle blows, as referees called a tight contest with multiple fouls. This disrupted the flow of the game, preventing both teams from settling into a consistent rhythm. This stop-start nature of the game particularly affected the Gamecocks, who struggled to find their usual offensive cohesion.

Well, South Carolina might not have had their day, but the electric atmosphere of the game sure did jump through the screens, delivering a thrilling experience for fans. And Staley conveyed it absolutely right. “They’re not going to be any women’s game on to be the prelude to the Super Bowl. They put it on cause they knew the ratings will be there.”

Dawn Staley demands respect

Sunday’s electrifying 66-62 basketball match sent shockwaves across the nation, mesmerizing a staggering one million viewers on ESPN. As the most-watched women’s college basketball game on ESPN’s platforms this season, the matchup reached a crescendo with 1.3 million viewers tuning in. By airing the game in a coveted prime-time slot ahead of Super Bowl LVIX, ESPN shone a bright spotlight on women’s basketball, solidifying its position as a force to be reckoned with in the sports universe.

South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley welcomed the increased exposure, hoping that it would emphasize the need for respect and recognition across all areas, including revenue sharing. “Quite honestly, we’re it right now,” Staley said. “Women’s basketball is it right now“.

As the sport continues to push boundaries, it’s clear that women’s basketball is entering an era of prominence. With viewership numbers soaring, including a notable 1.1 million viewers for South Carolina’s January 24 matchup against LSU, the stage is set for sustained growth and recognition.