South Alabama Advances in Sun Belt Tournament After Top Scorers Suspended

Jaguars overcome brawl suspensions to defeat Texas State in third round

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The 12th-seeded South Alabama women's basketball team advanced in the Sun Belt tournament despite having their top three scorers suspended for a brawl in the previous round. The Jaguars rode a strong third quarter to defeat the eighth-seeded Texas State Bobcats 69-59, with key contributions from Tamara Ortiz and Jeriyah Baines.

Why it matters

The suspensions of South Alabama's top players for their involvement in a fight during the previous round raised questions about sportsmanship and discipline in college basketball. The Jaguars' ability to overcome these setbacks and continue their tournament run despite being short-handed demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to rally together.

The details

South Alabama's Amyah Sutton, Cordasia Harris, and Daniela Gonzalez were suspended for one game by the NCAA after being "deemed to have engaged in a fight" in the previous round against Coastal Carolina. The brawl also resulted in the suspension of Coastal Carolina's Tracey Hueston for the remainder of the season. Despite having seven players ejected, South Alabama was able to hold off Coastal Carolina 80-70 to advance to the third round.

  • The brawl occurred with less than six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of the South Alabama-Coastal Carolina game on March 4, 2026.
  • South Alabama defeated Texas State 69-59 on March 5, 2026 to advance in the Sun Belt tournament.

The players

Amyah Sutton

One of South Alabama's top three scorers who was suspended for the team's third-round game.

Cordasia Harris

One of South Alabama's top three scorers who was suspended for the team's third-round game.

Daniela Gonzalez

One of South Alabama's top three scorers who was suspended for the team's third-round game.

Tracey Hueston

Coastal Carolina player who was suspended for the remainder of the season for her role in the brawl.

Marla Gearhart

The official who was knocked down during the brawl and required medical attention.

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What they’re saying

“After an extensive internal review, I do not believe the actions of all three of our student-athletes rose to the level of being classified as fighting as defined by the NCAA rule book.”

— Joel Erdmann, South Alabama Athletic Director (Yahoo Sports)

“What occurred is not reflective of how our programs are expected to compete or represent Coastal Carolina University.”

— Chance Miller, Coastal Carolina Athletic Director (WBTW News 13)

What’s next

South Alabama will play fifth-seeded Marshall on Friday in the fourth round of the Sun Belt tournament.

The takeaway

The South Alabama women's basketball team's ability to overcome the suspensions of their top players and advance in the Sun Belt tournament demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to rally together in the face of adversity, raising questions about sportsmanship and discipline in college basketball.