Part 5/7:
Despite being a top-tier program, South Carolina faced challenges throughout the match, largely due to their inability to find a rhythm. The absence of Watkins was felt as the team struggled against the aggressive Texas defense, ultimately putting them in a position of needing to execute perfectly on the offensive end to maintain their lead.
The strategies began to unfold even more in the second half, with Texas fiercely contesting every shot and fighting for every rebound. The athleticism of players like Edwards, who aggressively ran the floor, showcased the physical battles under the basket—adding another layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere in the venue.