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

Background: A Rivalry of Dominance

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) women’s basketball tournament has always been a showcase of elite teams, with the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Texas Longhorns at the forefront of that competition in 2025. These two powerhouses entered the tournament with exceptional records and championship aspirations, each hoping to earn the top seed and the associated advantages. South Carolina, under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, had been a perennial force in women’s college basketball, consistently ranking near the top of the national polls. Meanwhile, Texas, under Vic Schaefer, had made significant strides in recent years, becoming one of the most competitive programs in the country.

The two teams had been nearly identical in their regular-season performance in the SEC. South Carolina, with its robust defense and efficient offense, had been a dominant force all season, often overpowering their opponents. Texas, on the other hand, had shown resilience and adaptability, excelling in both high-scoring and defensive battles. The competition between these two teams came to a head when they ended the regular season with matching 15-1 conference records, creating a scenario that no one could have anticipated—one that would ultimately be decided by a coin flip.

The SEC’s Approach to Tiebreaking

In traditional sports leagues, tiebreakers are usually determined by a series of metrics such as head-to-head records, point differentials, or strength of schedule. However, when the SEC found itself with two teams tied at the top of the standings, things became much more complicated. With South Carolina and Texas both having beaten each other during the regular season and both showing a nearly identical level of dominance in conference play, a more definitive tiebreaking method could not be determined.

This is where SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey’s unconventional decision to use a coin flip came into play. In a league with a rich history and an immense fanbase, the decision to determine the top seed in this manner caused a stir. To some, it was a quirky and memorable moment in SEC history. To others, it felt like an arbitrary move that undermined the true competitive nature of the sport.

The coin flip ultimately resulted in South Carolina receiving the top seed, but the decision was not without its controversy. Texas fans and players, many of whom believed that their season had been just as impressive as South Carolina’s, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome. Texas coach Vic Schaefer, who had been vocal about the importance of ensuring fairness in such critical decisions, publicly questioned why the SEC did not consider more substantial factors such as head-to-head competition, overall season records, or even the performance against common opponents.

The Importance of the Top Seed

For South Carolina, winning the coin flip meant much more than just a symbolic victory. The No. 1 seed in the SEC Women’s Tournament provides a distinct advantage, particularly in a highly competitive field like the SEC. With the top seed, South Carolina secured a double-bye, meaning that they would not have to play in the opening round of the tournament and would automatically advance to the quarterfinals. This gives the team more time to rest and prepare for their next opponent, while also avoiding the risk of an early upset that often plagues lower-seeded teams in single-elimination tournaments.

On the other hand, Texas, despite the disappointment over the coin flip result, was still a formidable team and would enter the tournament with plenty of motivation to prove themselves on the court. They were given a single bye, which meant that they would need to play one additional game compared to South Carolina. While this created a slight disadvantage, it did not diminish the fact that Texas was capable of beating any team in the SEC on any given day. The Longhorns would have to win their first matchup and continue to fight through the tournament to prove that their strength warranted the No. 1 seed, regardless of the coin toss.

Criticism of the Coin Flip and Its Aftermath

After the decision was announced, the SEC faced significant backlash, particularly from Texas fans and the team’s coaching staff. While many embraced the lighthearted nature of the coin flip, others felt that such a crucial decision—one that could shape the trajectory of the tournament—should not have been determined by such an arbitrary process. Critics argued that the SEC should have employed more traditional tiebreakers, like considering the strength of schedule, margin of victory, or head-to-head performance against higher-ranked teams.

Additionally, there were concerns over the perception that the SEC was taking the easy way out. As one of the most prestigious women’s basketball conferences in the country, the SEC is under constant scrutiny, and such a high-profile event deserved a more rigorous and fair process for determining the top seed. The coin flip, though perhaps an unexpected and quirky moment, may have left a sour taste in the mouths of many who saw it as a sign of a lack of seriousness in such an important decision.

However, some defended the decision, suggesting that it was simply a quirky twist that added to the drama and unpredictability of college basketball. Others pointed out that the competition in the SEC was so fierce that even an unconventional method of determining the top seed reflected the parity in the league. South Carolina and Texas were both deserving of the No. 1 seed based on their regular-season performance, and the coin flip was just a reflection of the unique circumstances surrounding their tie.

The Long-Term Impact of the Coin Flip

Though the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament’s top seed was decided by a coin flip, the ultimate outcome of the tournament would be determined on the court. South Carolina, with its star players and proven track record of success in postseason play, would enter the tournament as the favorite. However, Texas, with its chip on its shoulder and a desire to prove that they deserved the top seed, would be a dangerous opponent for anyone in their path.

Regardless of the controversy surrounding the coin flip, both teams would need to navigate the challenges of the SEC tournament, where every game is a battle for survival. In the single-elimination format, anything can happen, and the true test of a team’s strength is their ability to adapt and perform under pressure. While the coin flip may have been an unexpected and sometimes criticized decision, it ultimately set the stage for a highly anticipated and thrilling SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Moreover, the entire situation also underscored the evolving landscape of women’s college basketball. As the sport continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness, it’s clear that the decisions made by conference officials will have increasing significance. The growing parity between top programs like South Carolina and Texas means that every victory, every tiebreaker, and every tournament matchup will carry immense weight.

The Role of South Carolina and Texas in Women’s Basketball

Both South Carolina and Texas have been central to the rise of women’s college basketball over the past decade. South Carolina’s dominance under Dawn Staley has led to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including national championships in 2017 and 2021. The Gamecocks have been one of the most consistent teams in the country, and their success is built on a combination of elite recruiting, a disciplined defensive approach, and a commitment to developing players who can excel on the biggest stages.

Texas, meanwhile, has steadily risen to prominence since Schaefer took over as head coach. The Longhorns have been a force in both the Big 12 and nationally, with an aggressive, high-pressure defensive style and a potent offense that can strike from anywhere on the floor. With several top recruits and a coaching staff that emphasizes development and preparation, Texas is now one of the teams to watch in the national title conversation.

Both programs have become synonymous with success, and their rivalry, whether it’s in the SEC tournament or in the NCAA Tournament, has captured the imagination of fans across the country. The 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, with its coin flip and all the drama surrounding it, only added to the narrative of these two titans in women’s college basketball.

In the end, the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament’s top seed was decided in a way that few could have anticipated—a coin flip. While this decision was controversial and sparked debate, it did nothing to diminish the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament. South Carolina and Texas are two of the best teams in the nation, and regardless of the outcome of the coin flip, both teams were primed to make a deep run and possibly claim the SEC title. The drama, intrigue, and unpredictability of this tournament, marked by an unexpected twist, added another memorable chapter to the history of SEC women’s basketball.