In the SEC women’s tournament, who took home the top seed? It’s a coin toss between South Carolina and Texas.

In the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, the top seed was up for grabs between two powerhouse programs: the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and the University of Texas Longhorns. Both teams had shown remarkable resilience, skill, and dominance throughout the regular season, making it clear that this would be one of the most exciting and closely contested SEC Tournaments in recent memory. However, when the dust settled, it was decided that the No. 1 seed would come down to a somewhat unusual tiebreaker— a coin toss.

This event, which initially might seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, turned out to be a defining moment in the season, as the Gamecocks and Longhorns had finished with identical records, both within the SEC and against common opponents. The coin toss, a mechanism that serves as a last resort in case of a tie after traditional tiebreakers, ultimately determined who would claim the prestigious top spot. But beyond the flip of a coin, the story of this season is deeply rooted in the teams’ performance, the influence of their respective head coaches, and the competitive nature of women’s college basketball, especially in a conference as tough as the SEC.

A Historic SEC Women’s Tournament

Before diving into the coin toss, it’s important to grasp the significance of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Southeastern Conference has long been one of the most competitive leagues in college basketball, consistently producing national title contenders and top-tier talent. The SEC Tournament is not only an opportunity for teams to claim a conference championship but also to make a statement heading into the NCAA Tournament.

For both South Carolina and Texas, securing the No. 1 seed was more than just a matter of pride—it carried tangible advantages. The higher seed in the tournament meant a potentially easier path through the bracket, with the team avoiding the possibility of facing other top-seeded programs in the early rounds. Additionally, the top seed would come with a sense of momentum and confidence, potentially boosting the team’s chances in the NCAA Tournament that followed. A victory in the SEC Women’s Tournament could elevate both teams to new heights, both in terms of their national standing and the legacy of their head coaches.

South Carolina’s Road to the SEC Tournament Top Seed

Under the leadership of legendary coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has become a powerhouse in women’s basketball. Staley, who has been with the program since 2008, has transformed the Gamecocks into one of the most consistent and successful teams in college basketball. Her philosophy is built around tough, relentless defense, high-intensity play, and a team-first mentality that empowers every player to step up when needed.

Heading into the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, South Carolina had established themselves as the favorites to win the top seed. The Gamecocks finished the regular season with an outstanding record and had displayed their signature dominance on both sides of the ball. South Carolina had one of the best defenses in the country, often suffocating their opponents with aggressive press defense and forcing turnovers that led to easy transition opportunities. On offense, the Gamecocks were balanced and versatile, with standout players like Zia Cooke and Kamilla Cardoso leading the way.

Zia Cooke, a senior guard, had been one of the most prolific scorers in the SEC throughout the season. Known for her ability to break down defenses with her quickness and sharp shooting, Cooke was a go-to player for South Carolina in crucial moments. Meanwhile, Kamilla Cardoso, a dominant presence in the paint, provided the team with both scoring and rebounding prowess. Alongside these star players, South Carolina’s depth and ability to rotate fresh legs throughout the game helped them maintain a relentless pace, wearing down opponents both offensively and defensively.

Throughout the regular season, South Carolina had faced tough competition and emerged victorious in most of their matchups. With their balanced roster and commitment to defense, the Gamecocks had become one of the most formidable teams in the SEC, earning their spot as the team to beat. However, despite their dominance, they were not the only team that had performed at an elite level.

Texas’s Challenge and Road to the Top Seed

Texas, under head coach Vic Schaefer, had a similarly impressive season. The Longhorns had built their reputation on solid defensive play, depth, and efficient offense. Schaefer, a seasoned coach known for his defensive schemes, had molded Texas into a team that could compete with the best in the country. The Longhorns had performed exceptionally well in the Big 12 Conference and were ranked among the top teams in the nation.

Texas boasted a roster filled with high-caliber talent, including senior guard Rori Harmon, who was a scoring and playmaking threat for the Longhorns throughout the season. Harmon had been exceptional in both facilitating the offense and scoring, often stepping up when her team needed her most. Alongside her, forward Aaliyah Moore had been a dominant force in the paint, contributing both defensively and offensively. Texas’s strong defensive play and ability to score efficiently made them one of the most balanced teams in the nation, putting them in a prime position to compete for the top seed in the SEC Tournament.

The Longhorns had impressed throughout their season, achieving numerous victories over ranked opponents and demonstrating their resilience in high-pressure situations. Their record against top-tier teams helped propel them into the conversation as one of the nation’s elite programs. As the season progressed, Texas’s formidable defense and ability to execute in the clutch became a key factor in their bid for the top spot in the SEC Tournament.

The Coin Toss: A Surprising End to the Race for the No. 1 Seed

With both South Carolina and Texas finishing with identical conference records, the stage was set for an exciting showdown in the SEC Tournament. Both teams had earned the right to compete for the No. 1 seed, but after reviewing the usual tiebreakers—head-to-head matchups, strength of schedule, and more—it was clear that neither team had a distinct edge.

The SEC conference rulebook, in the event of a tie, dictates that a coin toss will be used to break the deadlock. Although it may seem like a random or arbitrary decision, this tiebreaker system is used to ensure fairness when all other options have been exhausted. On the day of the official announcement, both South Carolina and Texas had to wait anxiously for the coin to be flipped, knowing that this seemingly trivial moment would determine their seeding for the upcoming tournament.

When the coin finally landed, it was South Carolina who came out on top. The Gamecocks had earned the coveted top seed, a result that sent a wave of excitement through the program. It was a crucial moment, as this top seeding would give South Carolina a much-needed edge in the tournament, allowing them to avoid potential matchups against other top-ranked teams in the early rounds. However, the excitement of the win was tempered by the fact that it had come down to such a small and uncertain event.

The Impact of the Coin Toss on the Tournament

Though the coin toss decided the seeding, it didn’t change the fact that both South Carolina and Texas were elite teams, capable of dominating in the SEC Tournament. The Gamecocks, with their top seed secured, would head into the tournament with confidence, but they knew that their journey would be anything but easy. With a competitive field featuring teams like LSU, Tennessee, and Mississippi State, South Carolina couldn’t afford to rest on their laurels.

For Texas, the coin toss was a bitter pill to swallow, but it wasn’t the end of their season. Despite not earning the No. 1 seed, they were still one of the best teams in the field, and their resolve to prove themselves would make them a formidable opponent in the tournament. The Longhorns’ strong defense, combined with their experienced leadership, meant that they would be a serious contender for the SEC Championship, regardless of their seeding.

 The Coin Toss and the Future of Both Programs

While the coin toss decided the top seed for the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, the true significance of this moment lies in the ongoing rise of both South Carolina and Texas as elite programs in women’s college basketball. For Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks, the top seed is a reflection of their dominance and continued excellence under her leadership. For Vic Schaefer and the Longhorns, despite losing the coin toss, their season remains a testament to their resilience and their ability to compete at the highest level.

Regardless of who takes home the SEC Championship, the true victor in this race is the sport of women’s basketball, which continues to grow in visibility, excitement, and competitiveness. As both teams head into the tournament with their eyes set on NCAA glory, the coin toss might be forgotten, but the legacies of South Carolina and Texas as powerhouse programs are here to stay.