CCU women’s player ejected, referee knocked out in brawl at Sun Belt tournament game
Coastal Carolina University issued a statement Wednesday after one of its women’s basketball players was involved in a brawl that resulted in a referee being knocked out.
An ESPN video of the fight during Wednesday’s game between Coastal Carolina’s women and South Alabama, shows a CCU playe throwing a punch at another player during the Sun Belt Conference Tournament game.
“We regret the actions that took place during today’s Sun Belt Conference Tournament game,” said CCU Women’s Head Coach Kevin Pederson in an email statement. “In no way does what occurred reflect the core values or day-to-day mission of the women’s basketball program, as we hold our student-athletes to the highest standards both on and off the court. The actions today don’t reflect those standards, and we plan to address that quickly.”
The CCU player was ejected, as well as seven other players from both teams because they left the bench, according to report.
CCU’s Tracey Hueston and South Alabama’s Cordasia Harris got tied up and had words before Hueston threw a punch, leading to other players rushing to the court as the brawl escalated and a referee was injured, according to AL.com.
Ultimately, South Alabama won the game, defeating Coastal Carolina 80-70. CCU ends its season with a 14-18 record while South Alabama advances to the next round.
“We are extremely disappointed in the actions of one of our women’s basketball student-athletes and program during today’s Sun Belt Conference Tournament game,” according to a statement from Coastal Carolina Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation Chance Miller. “The behavior displayed does not represent the standards or expectations of Coastal Carolina Athletics. “On behalf of our department, I want to apologize to the game officials, the University of South Alabama, and the Sun Belt Conference. What occurred is not reflective of how our programs are expected to compete or represent Coastal Carolina University.”
This story was originally published March 4, 2026 at 6:39 PM.
