As the 2025 NCAA Tournament reaches its apex, the Final Four matchup between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Texas Longhorns is set to be one of the most highly anticipated games of the season. This marks the fourth meeting between the two programs in the tournament in recent years, a rare and exciting rivalry that has captured the attention of college basketball fans across the country.
Both programs have had exceptional seasons, and this showdown promises to be an epic battle between two of the nation’s top teams. South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, is riding high off of an impressive regular-season performance, while Texas, under head coach Vic Schaefer, has emerged as one of the most formidable programs in women’s basketball. Their paths to this point have been filled with high drama, and now, the stage is set for yet another memorable encounter between these two titans.
A Storied Rivalry
Before diving into the specifics of the matchup, it’s important to understand the significance of this Gamecocks-Longhorns rivalry in the context of modern college basketball. The two teams have faced off multiple times in the tournament over the last several seasons, and each contest has only added fuel to the fire of what is quickly becoming one of the most exciting rivalries in women’s college basketball.
This will be their fourth meeting in the Final Four in the last five years, and each of their previous encounters has had its own unique storyline.
- 2019 NCAA Tournament: South Carolina faced Texas in a Sweet 16 matchup, where the Gamecocks triumphed after a hard-fought battle. This game was defined by standout performances from players like A’ja Wilson, who led South Carolina to the Elite Eight in their quest for a national title.
- 2021 NCAA Tournament: South Carolina and Texas squared off in the Elite Eight, with the Gamecocks emerging victorious in another hard-fought game. South Carolina’s defense, led by Aliyah Boston, stifled Texas’ offensive attack, and the Gamecocks advanced to the Final Four on the back of their gritty play.
- 2023 NCAA Tournament: This time, it was Texas who came out on top in a Sweet 16 matchup. A standout performance by Longhorn guard Rorye Johnson helped the Longhorns dismantle South Carolina, preventing the Gamecocks from advancing to the Final Four.
The back-and-forth nature of these matchups has made this rivalry even more compelling, and it has set the stage for a thrilling Round 4 encounter in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With both teams having major stakes on the line, the excitement around this Final Four matchup is palpable.
South Carolina: A Championship-Caliber Team
Led by Dawn Staley, one of the most accomplished coaches in women’s college basketball, South Carolina has been a dominant force in recent years. The Gamecocks enter the 2025 Final Four with a 34-2 record and a strong roster that blends experience with dynamic young talent.
Key Players
- Aliyah Boston: The senior center is one of the most dominant players in college basketball. Boston has been a consistent force for the Gamecocks, and her ability to control the paint on both ends of the floor makes her one of the most valuable players in the country. Standing at 6-foot-5, she has the size and athleticism to overwhelm defenders in the post, while also showing excellent passing skills and the ability to stretch the floor. Boston’s experience and leadership will be key for South Carolina in this matchup, as they look to advance to the national championship game.
- Zia Cooke: A junior guard, Cooke has been an explosive offensive weapon for the Gamecocks all season long. She is capable of scoring in a variety of ways, whether it’s attacking the basket or shooting from the perimeter. Cooke’s ability to create her own shot will be essential for South Carolina, especially when the offense needs to generate points quickly. Her ability to score under pressure will be crucial in a high-stakes game like this.
- Bree Hall: The sophomore forward has emerged as one of the team’s most versatile players. Hall has the ability to play multiple positions and provide both scoring and rebounding. Her quickness and agility on the court make her a matchup nightmare for opponents, and her ability to contribute in multiple areas will be important against Texas’ physicality.
- Laeticia Amihere: The senior forward brings toughness and grit to the Gamecocks’ defense. Known for her shot-blocking and rebounding ability, Amihere’s presence on the defensive end has helped propel South Carolina into the Final Four. Her matchup against Texas’ frontcourt players will be one to watch, as she plays a vital role in keeping the Longhorns’ offense from dominating in the paint.
Game Plan
South Carolina’s game plan will likely focus on defensive intensity and dominance in the post. Their ability to control the glass, prevent second-chance opportunities, and protect the paint will be critical in slowing down Texas’ offense. With Aliyah Boston anchoring the defense, South Carolina will look to frustrate Texas’ shooters and force them into contested shots.
Offensively, the Gamecocks will want to exploit their size advantage in the paint, particularly with Boston and Amihere. However, they must also be able to hit shots from the outside, especially when Texas tries to collapse the defense. Zia Cooke’s ability to score from the perimeter will be vital, as she will need to stretch the Longhorns’ defense and create driving lanes for her teammates.
Texas: A Fearsome Contender
Under head coach Vic Schaefer, Texas has quickly become one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. The Longhorns are known for their physical defense, high-intensity play, and ability to execute in high-pressure situations. Texas enters the 2025 Final Four with a 32-4 record, making them a formidable opponent for the Gamecocks.
Key Players
- Rorye Johnson: The junior guard has been the catalyst for Texas’ offense all season. A dynamic scorer, Johnson has the ability to take over a game with her scoring outbursts. Whether it’s hitting outside shots or driving to the basket, Johnson is capable of producing in any situation. Her ability to create offense and lead Texas in big moments will be crucial in their matchup against South Carolina.
- Audrey Warren: A senior guard, Warren is one of Texas’ most experienced players. Her poise under pressure and leadership on the floor make her one of the most valuable players on the team. Warren has the ability to control the pace of the game and is often tasked with making key plays down the stretch. Her ability to play both ends of the floor will be important as Texas looks to counter South Carolina’s inside dominance.
- DeYona Gaston: The 6-foot-4 sophomore forward has become one of Texas’ top post players. Gaston is a physical presence in the paint, able to protect the rim and crash the boards with authority. Her matchup with Aliyah Boston in the post will be one of the key battles in this game, as both players have the ability to dominate in the paint. Gaston will need to be aggressive in both scoring and rebounding to give Texas a fighting chance.
- Ruthie Hein: A key role player for Texas, Hein has the ability to stretch the floor with her shooting and provide scoring depth off the bench. Texas’ success against South Carolina will depend on getting production from their entire roster, and Hein’s ability to contribute off the bench could make the difference in a close game.
Game Plan
Texas’ game plan will revolve around defensive pressure and pacing. They will look to limit South Carolina’s offensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities, focusing on slowing down the Gamecocks’ transition game. Defensively, Texas will likely try to trap Zia Cooke and make it difficult for her to get clean looks from the perimeter.
On offense, the Longhorns will try to establish their physicality in the paint, using players like DeYona Gaston to take advantage of South Carolina’s defense. However, Texas will also need to hit outside shots, particularly from Rorye Johnson, to prevent the Gamecocks from packing the paint and daring them to shoot from the perimeter.
Key Matchup: Boston vs. Gaston
The battle in the paint between Aliyah Boston and DeYona Gaston will be the marquee matchup in this game. Boston, one of the most dominant post players in the country, will have to contend with Gaston’s physicality and shot-blocking ability. Both players are capable of changing the course of a game with their rebounding and interior defense, so whoever can establish control in the paint will likely dictate the flow of the game.
South Carolina will need to rely on Boston’s leadership and skill to counter Gaston’s physicality, while Texas will look to take advantage of any opportunities to limit Boston’s impact.
