Jordan Lee (right) of the Texas Longhorns knocks the ball away from Raven Johnson (middle) of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C. 

Jordan Lee (right) of the Texas Longhorns knocks the ball away from Raven Johnson (middle) of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C. 

Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, S.C. — It was the best of possessions and it was the worst of possessions Thursday night when Texas women’s basketball played South Carolina. 

One one end, the Longhorns ran its offense beautifully. Guard Rori Harmon a few times bounced the ball to an open Jordan Lee behind the arc —  right before South Carolina guard Tessa Johnson came out of nowhere to close on the ball quickly. 

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Raven Johnson (right) of the South Carolina Gamecocks guards Madison Booker (left) of the Texas Longhorns in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Raven Johnson (right) of the South Carolina Gamecocks guards Madison Booker (left) of the Texas Longhorns in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Jacob Kupferman/Getty ImagesSouth Carolina's Ta'Niya Latson (00) drives downcourt with Texas' Rori Harmon (3) and Jordan Lee (7) during the first half Jan. 15, 2026 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C.

South Carolina’s Ta’Niya Latson (00) drives downcourt with Texas’ Rori Harmon (3) and Jordan Lee (7) during the first half Jan. 15, 2026 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C.

Tracy Glantz/TNSSouth Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) moves the ball against Texas guard Rori Harmon during the second half Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) moves the ball against Texas guard Rori Harmon during the second half Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Nell Redmond/Associated PressSouth Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) hugs teammate Ta'Niya Latson after they beat Texas Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) hugs teammate Ta’Niya Latson after they beat Texas Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Nell Redmond/Associated PressTexas guard Jordan Lee (7) controls the basketball against South Carolina guard Ta'Niya Latson during the first half Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Texas guard Jordan Lee (7) controls the basketball against South Carolina guard Ta’Niya Latson during the first half Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Nell Redmond/Associated PressSouth Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) shoots over Texas forward Justice Carlton as center Kyla Oldacre (00) and forward Madison Booker (35) look on during the first half Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) shoots over Texas forward Justice Carlton as center Kyla Oldacre (00) and forward Madison Booker (35) look on during the first half Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Nell Redmond/Associated PressTexas head coach Vic Schaefer reacts during the first half Jan. 15, 2026 against South Carolina in Columbia, S.C.

Texas head coach Vic Schaefer reacts during the first half Jan. 15, 2026 against South Carolina in Columbia, S.C.

Nell Redmond/Associated PressTexas guard Rori Harmon, right, drives to the basket against South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) during the second half Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Texas guard Rori Harmon, right, drives to the basket against South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) during the second half Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Nell Redmond/Associated PressSouth Carolina guard Tessa Johnson celebrates in the closing seconds of the second half as her team beats Texas on Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

South Carolina guard Tessa Johnson celebrates in the closing seconds of the second half as her team beats Texas on Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Nell Redmond/Associated PressSouth Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel, right, drives against Texas guard Rori Harmon (3) during the first half Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel, right, drives against Texas guard Rori Harmon (3) during the first half Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Nell Redmond/Associated Press

Then, on the other end, the Longhorns’ stifling defense often caused turnovers, forcing the Gamecocks to look for their third or fourth option on the floor. 

“They’re disruptive…,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said postgame. 

MORE: Kyla Oldacre isn’t starting, and she’s OK with that

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No. 4 Texas was dealt a 68-65 loss, its second straight, to South Carolina. The Longhorns (18-2, 3-2) forced 20 Gamecock turnovers but tallied a season-high 22 of their own and gave up 15 fastbreak points. 

The Longhorns lead the SEC in turnover margin (13) and with the exception of forward Ashton Judd, who came off the bench for two minutes, every Longhorn who checked into the game had at least one turnover. Forward Justice Carlton had five.

“It’s not normal for us…” Harmon said. 

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‘Whatever it takes’ 

No. 2 South Carolina (18-1, 5-0) is a physical team and Schaefer applauded the Longhorns for playing hard after they struggled at times. But the coach acknowledged that Texas’ defense faltered as the Gamecocks aired out nine fourth-quarter jumpers and went to the free throw line five times in the period.

The Longhorns had trouble finishing each half, losing the second quarter 19-12 and the fourth quarter 20-16.

Texas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) shoots the ball over Auburn guard Syriah Daniels (11) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) shoots the ball over Auburn guard Syriah Daniels (11) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Ashton Judd (21) pushes past Auburn guard A'riel Jackson (7) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Ashton Judd (21) pushes past Auburn guard A’riel Jackson (7) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) is blocked from shooting during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) is blocked from shooting during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) pushes past Auburn guard Syriah Daniels (11) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) pushes past Auburn guard Syriah Daniels (11) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) comes down from a rebound on Auburn guard Ja'Mai Harris (2) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) comes down from a rebound on Auburn guard Ja’Mai Harris (2) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) jumps for a rebound over Auburn guard A'riel Jackson (7) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) jumps for a rebound over Auburn guard A’riel Jackson (7) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Kyla Oldacre (00) takes the court during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Kyla Oldacre (00) takes the court during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) is fouled by Auburn guard A'riel Jackson (7) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) is fouled by Auburn guard A’riel Jackson (7) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) loses control of the ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) loses control of the ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Ashtin Judd (21) passes the ball behind the back of Auburn guard Mya Petticord (1) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Ashtin Judd (21) passes the ball behind the back of Auburn guard Mya Petticord (1) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Ashtin Judd (21) collides with Auburn guard Mya Petticord (1) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Ashtin Judd (21) collides with Auburn guard Mya Petticord (1) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Bryanna Preston (1) dribbles the ball towards the Auburn basket during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Bryanna Preston (1) dribbles the ball towards the Auburn basket during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Kyla Oldacre (00) jumps for.a rebound during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Kyla Oldacre (00) jumps for.a rebound during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Bryanna Preston (1) shoots the ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Bryanna Preston (1) shoots the ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns and Auburn players fight for the ball during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns and Auburn players fight for the ball during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) pushes past Auburn guard Syriah Daniels (11) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) pushes past Auburn guard Syriah Daniels (11) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) shoots the ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) shoots the ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer talks to forward Breya Cunningham (25) as she leaves the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer talks to forward Breya Cunningham (25) as she leaves the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Kyla Oldacre (00) grabs a rebound during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Kyla Oldacre (00) grabs a rebound during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Kyla Oldacre (00) shoots the ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Kyla Oldacre (00) shoots the ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) looks for an open team mate for a pass during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) looks for an open team mate for a pass during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Kyla Oldacre (00) fights for.a rebound during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Kyla Oldacre (00) fights for.a rebound during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanAuburn head coach Larry Vickers yells towards his bench during the game against Texas at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Auburn head coach Larry Vickers yells towards his bench during the game against Texas at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) dribbles the ball towards the Auburn basket during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) dribbles the ball towards the Auburn basket during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) shootsthe ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) shootsthe ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns celebrate a score during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

The Texas Longhorns celebrate a score during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) shoots the ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) shoots the ball during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns fans cheer during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns fans cheer during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer talks to guard Bryanna Preston (1) during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer talks to guard Bryanna Preston (1) during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) dribbles the ball towards the Auburn basket during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Madison Booker (35) dribbles the ball towards the Auburn basket during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) jumps for a rebound during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) jumps for a rebound during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanAuburn guard A'riel Jackson (7) reacts to a forced turnover by Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Auburn guard A’riel Jackson (7) reacts to a forced turnover by Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) during the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) celebrates a forced turnover during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) celebrates a forced turnover during the game against Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns gather on the court after the win over Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

The Texas Longhorns gather on the court after the win over Auburn at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer meets Auburn head coach Larry Vickers after the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer meets Auburn head coach Larry Vickers after the game at the Moody Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Center Madina Okot sunk her third 3-pointer this season to give South Carolina a four-point lead with 3 minutes, 32 seconds left in the game. Tessa Johnson was 2-for-3 at the end of the third quarter on her way to a 4-for-5 night behind the arc. 

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Madison Booker made the only 3-pointer for Texas. South Carolina shot 4-for-11 from deep; Texas was 1-for-9.

Even with the struggling offense, Texas’ intense defense helped the Longhorns. 

“I think when we’re honing in on the fact that if we can get on the press, we can actually, truly bother a team — speed them up, or slow them down, whatever it takes,” Harmon said. 

Maddy McDaniel (right) of the South Carolina Gamecocks guards Rori Harmon (left) of the Texas Longhorns in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Maddy McDaniel (right) of the South Carolina Gamecocks guards Rori Harmon (left) of the Texas Longhorns in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 15, 2026 in Columbia, S.C.

Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

The senior said she would give Texas an A-plus for its press and how effective it was against South Carolina. Because the Longhorns face-guard the two players nearest to the inbounder, the best way South Carolina could begin a possession is with down-court passes. But not all lob attempts connected and if they did, the sped-up Gamecock wasn’t isn’t always efficient.  

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“They (Texas) make you make the perfect pass for 40 minutes,” Staley said. 

Foul trouble helps doom Texas

An issue arose for Texas when it came to matching South Carolina’s physicality on defense: foul trouble. Three Longhorns ended with three or more fouls and the Gamecocks had 26 free throws attempts. 

“Jordan (Lee) getting in foul trouble probably bothered us a little bit,” Schaefer said. 

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MORE: Vic Schaefer thinks the SEC has a ‘vendetta’ against Texas. Is he right?

After the Dec. 14 game against Baylor, Schaefer said how uncommon it is for teams to have three players who can defend guards very well. Lee, who eventually fouled out of the game, had the difficult task of guarding South Carolina guard Ta’Niya Latson and the most effective way the Florida State transfer could get past the sophomore was to go through her. 

Latson’s drives to the basket ignited the Gamecock offense, which threw a wrench in the Texas defensive scheme. 

“It was huge for her (Latson) to attack Jordan Lee in the second quarter to get her third,” Staley said. “You don’t really play as your normal self with three fouls in third and fourth quarters.” 

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The Longhorns now have to focus their attention to Sunday’s game against a Texas A&M that is 1-3 in conference play.  

Texas had the playing hard asset down Thursday, but can offensive flow reach the heights of defensive intensity? 

“It’s going to be fixed soon,” Harmon promised. 

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