Texas Triumphs Over South Carolina with Last-Second Shot

In a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural Players Era Championship, the No. 4 Texas Longhorns edged out the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks, 66-64, thanks to a late-game heroics from Rori Harmon. Harmon sank a crucial 10-foot floater with just one second remaining in the match, securing Texas’s victory on March 15, 2024, in Las Vegas.

Harmon had a challenging game leading up to the final shot, managing only four points until the decisive moment. Her late-game performance capped a solid outing where she also recorded nine assists, making her the all-time career leader in assists for the Longhorns with a total of 777 assists over her tenure. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 776 assists held by Kami Ethridge from 1982 to 1986. Following her standout performance, Harmon was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Texas coach Vic Schaefer praised Harmon, stating, “When it came time for the last shot, it’s always gonna be her.” His confidence in Harmon was evident, especially after her pivotal role in the semifinal against No. 3 UCLA, where he called her the best point guard in the country.

Despite holding a six-point lead early in the third quarter, Texas found itself trailing by eight points before mounting a comeback. The Longhorns rallied by outscoring the Gamecocks 24-14 in the final stages of the match. Jordan Lee led the team with 19 points, while Madison Booker contributed 16 points and nine rebounds, and Justice Carlton added 13 points and eight boards.

The loss marked South Carolina’s first defeat since they fell to Connecticut in the NCAA championship game in April. The Gamecocks, who had also advanced past Duke in the semifinals, showcased their depth with four players scoring in double figures. Ta’Niya Latson and Joyce Edwards each contributed 16 points, while Tessa Johnson added 13 points. Madina Okot recorded her sixth double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out.

Both teams have set the stage for an exciting Southeastern Conference season that begins in January. Last season, they split their regular-season meetings, but South Carolina had previously dominated Texas in both the SEC Tournament final and the Final Four.

The Players Era Championship delivered an exhilarating display of talent and resilience, leaving fans eager for the upcoming season. As the Longhorns celebrate their victory, the Gamecocks will look to rebound and refine their strategy for the challenges ahead.