South Carolina's early loss to Texas is no reason to panic

LAS VEGAS — South Carolina left Las Vegas with a solid win and a reminder of their goals looking forward. After beating Duke 83-66 behind a dominant frontcourt performance and continued development of its new-look core, the Gamecocks fell 64–62 to No. 4 Texas on a last-second Rori Harmon jumper. 

It was the first of what could be many matchups between the two SEC powerhouses. 

This was South Carolina’s first true run-in with championship-level competition this season, and it showed both the team’s potential and the areas still developing within a roster full of new roles and pieces.

Their dominant win over Duke was highlighted by phenomenal post play from Madina Okot and Joyce Edwards. 

“We knew they had to build chemistry,” Staley said. “Joyce wasn’t with us over the summer,, so they couldn’t build that chemistry when the stakes weren’t as high… We’re a high-low basketball team – we’re involving our post players a lot to be decision-makers.”

But Sunday against Texas showed where South Carolina must grow to reach its national-title ceiling. The Gamecocks were outrebounded, allowed 16 offensive boards from the Longhorns and struggled to close possessions, an area the team identified immediately.

“We knew the game was going to be won on rebounding…,” Ta’Niya Latson said. “We’ve got to get better, especially in games like this.”

Still, the Gamecocks nearly stole it behind another double-double from Okot and a late run powered by Edwards, whose ability to change the game in bursts continues to be undeniable.  But Staley challenged her to turn those spurts into 40-minute impact.

“She just has to be aware…,” Staley said. “Next step is making plays for yourself and plays for your teammates.”

The takeaway was clear for Staley: this isn’t reason to panic. 

“I like our team…,” Staley said. “Even in this loss, it’s a quality loss. It doesn’t really hurt us. We can see where we faltered. We’re going to move the chain in practice.”

And they’ll see Texas again — maybe more than once.

“We’re not where we want to be,” Latson said. “But we’re going to get there.”