A women’s college basketball game between South Alabama and Coastal Carolina descended into a significant altercation during the Sun Belt Conference tournament in Pensacola on March 4, 2026. With just over five minutes remaining in the game, tensions escalated beneath the basket when Coastal Carolina’s Tracey Hueston and South Alabama’s Cordasia Harris exchanged words. The confrontation intensified moments later when Hueston threw a punch that narrowly missed Harris, sparking a large-scale brawl involving multiple players and coaches.
As the conflict expanded, officials attempted to intervene but amid the chaos, one referee was struck and fell to the floor. Medical personnel promptly responded to the injured official. The fight prompted players from both teams to rush onto the court, leading to further disorder.
After officials regained control of the situation, eight players were ejected. Coastal Carolina’s Tracey Hueston and South Alabama’s Cordasia Harris were both dismissed, as were six South Alabama players. Among those ejected were starters Daniela Gonzalez and Amyah Sutton, key contributors for the Jaguars, dismissed primarily for leaving the bench area during the incident.
These ejections carry the possibility of additional disciplinary actions, such as one-game suspensions, which could affect South Alabama’s roster availability in upcoming tournament rounds. Remaining composed amid the turmoil, the No. 12 seeded South Alabama Jaguars secured an 80-70 victory over Coastal Carolina and advanced to the next stage of the Sun Belt Championship. They are scheduled to face Texas State on Thursday, potentially without a full lineup due to the consequences of the brawl.
The incident highlights the intensity and passions involved in collegiate sports tournaments and the challenges officials face in maintaining order on the court.
