Women’s basketball team South Carolina wins the coin to determine the top seed in the SEC Tournament.

South Carolina Women’s Basketball Team Wins Coin Toss to Determine Top Seed in SEC Tournament

In a moment of unexpected drama, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team found themselves at the center of attention for a most unusual reason: a coin toss to determine the top seed in the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. This unique twist came after a regular season that saw both South Carolina and their rivals, the LSU Tigers, finishing with identical records in the Southeastern Conference standings. As the tournament approaches, both teams have had stellar seasons, but only one could be awarded the coveted top seed. In a decision that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Gamecocks emerged victorious in the coin toss, securing their place as the No. 1 seed.

While many fans and analysts expected a head-to-head battle on the court to determine the top seed, this coin toss added an element of unpredictability that made for an exciting and unusual storyline heading into the SEC Tournament. The decision, while seemingly trivial on the surface, carries significant weight in the world of college basketball, and it highlighted just how tight the competition had been throughout the season. In this article, we’ll explore the circumstances leading up to the coin toss, how the Gamecocks’ victory impacts the SEC Tournament, and what this means for South Carolina as they aim for another national championship.

The Scenario: A Tie at the Top of the SEC

As the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball season wrapped up, the top of the conference standings saw a heated race between two powerhouse teams: the South Carolina Gamecocks and the LSU Tigers. Both teams had been dominant throughout the season, showcasing remarkable depth, skill, and resilience on the court. By the end of the regular season, they found themselves tied for the top spot in the SEC standings, each with an identical conference record of 15-1.

Given the level of competition between these two teams, it was no surprise that the conference would need to determine which squad would take the top seed in the SEC Tournament. In years past, such a decision would have been resolved by a head-to-head matchup or by a series of tie-breaking procedures, which usually consider factors like head-to-head results, overall record, and margin of victory. However, the situation surrounding South Carolina and LSU in 2025 was different.

Despite both teams being tied in the standings, the head-to-head matchup between the two programs during the regular season had ended in a split. South Carolina had won one game, and LSU had won the other. Given the equal standing and the inability to determine a clear winner through head-to-head results, the SEC had to resort to another method to break the tie.

In an unprecedented decision, the SEC chose to flip a coin to determine which team would earn the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament. This coin toss, while rare in the realm of sports, was a reflection of how evenly matched the two teams were and how little separated them in terms of performance. While some might have expected the conference to use a more conventional tie-breaking method, the coin toss became a dramatic and symbolic gesture of how every little edge can matter when it comes to the postseason.

The Coin Toss: A Historic Moment

On the day of the decision, all eyes were on the SEC’s virtual event where the coin toss would take place. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, known for her poise and leadership, stood alongside LSU coach Kim Mulkey, both waiting for the outcome. The tension in the virtual room was palpable as the officials prepared to flip the coin. Fans from both schools watched anxiously as the fates of their teams were about to be decided in an instant.

When the coin was flipped, it was the South Carolina Gamecocks who were declared the winners. The announcement brought an eruption of cheers from Gamecock fans, who had been eagerly awaiting confirmation of their team’s position. The victory in the coin toss ensured that South Carolina would claim the top seed in the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, giving them a more favorable path to the tournament championship.

For Dawn Staley and her team, the result was a testament to their outstanding season. Despite the unusual way in which they secured the top spot, the Gamecocks had earned their place at the top of the conference with their consistent dominance throughout the year. The coin toss was merely a formality in a season that had already seen South Carolina rise to the top of the college basketball world.

On the other hand, Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers, who were also deserving of the top seed, were understandably disappointed by the result. Nevertheless, LSU was still set to enter the tournament as the second seed, a position that would still allow them to compete for the title and continue their pursuit of an NCAA Tournament bid. The Tigers had shown remarkable resilience throughout the season, and they remained a formidable opponent for anyone in the tournament.

Impact on the SEC Tournament

With the coin toss decided, the South Carolina Gamecocks were officially awarded the top seed in the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. As a result, they would have the advantage of playing in the tournament’s first-round bye, which would give them an extra day of rest as they prepared for their next opponent. The top seed also meant that South Carolina would likely face a lower-seeded team in their first game, providing a potentially easier path to the tournament finals.

The SEC Tournament, which would take place in Greenville, South Carolina, would now have even higher stakes. The Gamecocks, with their top seed, would enter the tournament as the favorites, looking to defend their conference title and build momentum toward the NCAA Tournament. With a team that includes some of the best players in the nation, including Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal, the Gamecocks were poised to make another deep run.

However, LSU, while technically the second seed, was not to be underestimated. The Tigers had a roster filled with talent, including Angel Reese, one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball. Reese’s performance would be crucial to LSU’s chances in the SEC Tournament, and the Tigers were determined to show that they had the depth and experience to contend with the Gamecocks, even if they were not the top seed.

Key Players to Watch in the SEC Tournament

With the coin toss now behind them, both teams had their eyes on the prize. For South Carolina, it would be crucial to have their key players perform at their best throughout the SEC Tournament. Aliyah Boston, the 2024 Naismith College Player of the Year, was undoubtedly the centerpiece of South Carolina’s team. The senior forward was a dominant force on both ends of the floor, capable of scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots with ease. Boston’s presence in the paint would be critical for the Gamecocks, as her ability to control the boards and finish inside would help them maintain a physical advantage over their opponents.

Zia Cooke, the Gamecocks’ star guard, was another player to watch. Cooke had been a consistent scorer throughout the season, and her ability to create her own shot and knock down three-pointers would be key for South Carolina’s offense. Her leadership and experience in big games made her one of the most dangerous players in the tournament.

On the defensive end, Brea Beal would play an important role in guarding opposing players and shutting down some of the top offensive threats in the SEC. Beal’s ability to defend multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes made her one of the most versatile players on South Carolina’s roster.

For LSU, Angel Reese was undoubtedly the team’s biggest star. The 6-foot-3 forward had a tremendous season and was a strong contender for SEC Player of the Year honors. Reese’s rebounding, scoring, and defensive abilities were unmatched in the conference, and she would be the focal point of LSU’s offense. Her ability to dominate inside and stretch the floor with her scoring touch made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Other players like Alexis Morris and Flau’jae Johnson would also need to step up for LSU to have a chance at making a deep run in the tournament. Morris, a savvy point guard, had been exceptional at running the offense and finding her teammates in scoring positions. Johnson, a dynamic freshman, had quickly become one of LSU’s top players and would need to provide energy and scoring for the Tigers throughout the tournament.

Looking Ahead: South Carolina’s Path to the NCAA Tournament

As the top seed in the SEC Tournament, South Carolina’s win in the coin toss was a significant achievement. However, the Gamecocks knew that the SEC Tournament was just one step on their path to the NCAA Tournament, where they would face even stiffer competition. With a deep and talented roster, South Carolina remained one of the favorites to win it all, and they were poised to take the momentum from the SEC Tournament into the national spotlight.

For LSU, while the coin toss result may have been disappointing, the Tigers still had a strong chance to make a deep run in the tournament and secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. With their mix of veteran leadership and young talent, LSU remained a dangerous team that could challenge for the title.