Texas vs. South Carolina Women: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The SEC Championship is set, and it’s no surprise that the top two teams in the conference, Texas and South Carolina, will battle for the title. The Longhorns (31-2) enter as the #1 team in the country, while the Gamecocks (29-3) sit at #5.

Both teams went 15-1 in conference play, with each team’s lone loss coming at the hands of the other. South Carolina dominated Texas 67-50 at home, while Texas pulled out a 66-62 win in Austin. The race for the #1 seed in the SEC Tournament was so tight that it was decided by a literal coin flip. Now, they settle the score on the court.

What’s fascinating about these two elite teams is their balanced attacks. Neither Texas nor South Carolina boasts a top-12 scorer in the SEC. Texas’ Madison Booker is the closest thing to a go-to star, averaging 16.4 points per game, but the Longhorns rely on depth and defensive intensity. Booker is the only player on the roster logging over 30 minutes per game, with nine Longhorns playing double-digit minutes.

South Carolina operates in a similar fashion, as freshman Joyce Edwards leads the team with 13.2 points per game in just 21.3 minutes. No Gamecock plays more than 25 minutes per game, with eight players averaging double-digit minutes.

South Carolina’s tournament run has been dominant. The Gamecocks dispatched Vanderbilt 84-63 in the quarterfinals, with Chloe Kitts posting a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double. They dominated inside, winning the rebounding battle 42-28 and outscoring Vandy in the paint 58-28.

The semifinal win over Oklahoma was just as convincing, with South Carolina cruising to a 93-75 victory. The defense held Oklahoma’s top scorer Raegan Beers to just seven points on 2-of-10 shooting, while the Gamecocks capitalized on free throws (19-of-24) and points in the paint (50-26). Edwards led the way with 21 points.

Texas faced tougher tests en route to the final. The Longhorns edged out Ole Miss 70-63 in the quarterfinals behind Booker’s 19 points, winning the free throw battle (29 attempts) and controlling the paint (32-22).

Their semifinal win over LSU was a defensive slugfest, as Texas gritted out a 56-49 win. Booker was outstanding, scoring 25 points while limiting LSU’s Aneesha Morrow to just two rebounds – far below her season average of 14.

The Longhorns also dominated the boards (43-32) and shot 17-of-20 from the charity stripe.

Texas vs. South Carolina Women betting picks and predictions

South Carolina -3.5 (-115)

At first glance, it’s tempting to take the #1 team in the country getting points, but South Carolina is in a much better position to win and cover. Texas is coming off back-to-back grueling battles where its core players logged heavy minutes. Booker, in particular, played over 35 minutes in each of the past two games and was the focal point of the offense in both.

Fatigue could be a major factor, especially against a South Carolina team that has won comfortably and distributed minutes evenly throughout the tournament.

South Carolina’s depth is one of its biggest strengths, and that advantage will be on full display in this game. The Gamecocks can throw fresh bodies at Booker throughout the contest, making life difficult for the Texas star.

On the other end, South Carolina’s ability to get to the free throw line and win the rebounding battle gives them an edge. Texas fouls a lot, ranking in the bottom half of the SEC in opponent free throw attempts per game. Meanwhile, South Carolina limits opposing free throw opportunities, ranking near the top in defensive discipline.

There’s also the head-to-head history to consider. South Carolina have already beaten Texas by 17 points earlier this season, showing they can handle the Longhorns' physicality. With a fresher roster and a superior interior presence, the Gamecocks should be able to wear down Texas and pull away late.

Expect a close contest for most of the game before South Carolina’s depth and physicality take over in the final minutes. A final score around 73-65 in favor of the Gamecocks feels like the most likely outcome, covering the spread.

Over 135.5 total points (-110)

Despite both teams being defensive-minded, this game sets up well for the over. One of the biggest factors pushing this game toward a higher-scoring affair is second-chance points. Both teams are elite offensive rebounding squads and should generate plenty of extra possessions.

South Carolina dominated the paint in both of its tournament games, scoring 58 and 50 points in the paint, respectively. Texas also excelled in this area, outscoring LSU and Ole Miss in the paint and controlling the glass. If both teams continue to feast on offensive rebounds, the second-chance scoring will help drive up the point total.

Another factor is fatigue. Texas' key players, especially Booker, are coming off two straight days of heavy minutes. Tired legs could lead to defensive breakdowns and easier scoring opportunities. Additionally, when fatigue sets in, teams tend to foul more, and South Carolina is exceptional at drawing and converting free throws. In their semifinal win over Oklahoma, the Gamecocks went 19-of-24 from the line.

Texas also got to the stripe often in its wins, taking 29 free throws against Ole Miss and 20 against LSU. If both teams find themselves in the bonus early, the over becomes even more appealing.

Finally, the pace of play should be fast enough to clear this number. South Carolina has the ability to push in transition, and Texas won’t shy away from attacking early in the shot clock. With both teams generating second-chance points, getting to the free throw line, and playing at a steady tempo, this game should finish over. Look for South Carolina to win a 73-65 type of game, cashing both the spread and the over.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Basketball on site.

Texas vs. South Carolina Women odds

Texas	+150 ML
South Carolina	-180 ML
Spread	South Carolina -3.5
Total Points	O/U 135.5

Read the latest College Basketball news on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.