South Carolina Wins SEC Title, Eyes No. 1 Seed

The South Carolina Gamecocks, led by coach Dawn Staley, secured their third consecutive SEC tournament championship after defeating Texas 64-45, reinforcing calls for them to be the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Despite entering the tournament as a projected No. 2 seed, Staley argues their challenging schedule, including victories over top-ranked teams, merits a top seed. The Gamecocks' fan base was notably robust in Greenville, contributing to an environment akin to their home court in Columbia, which Staley believes should influence future tournament locations. The recent SEC performance saw them defeating opponents with significant margins, emphasizing their dominance and preparedness for national competition. Staley maintains that the team's season-long success should not be overshadowed by a few losses, advocating for recognition of their overall achievements. ESPN's Charlie Cream assured Staley that their top-seed status is secure, showcasing widespread recognition of their prowess this season.