In a thrilling contest on March 23, 2025, the South Carolina Gamecocks triumphed over the Indiana Hoosiers, defeating them 64-53 in the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. This victory not only advanced the Gamecocks to the Sweet 16 but also marked yet another hurdle in Indiana's quest for tournament success against the formidable South Carolina team.
The match took place at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, where the Gamecocks, boasting a robust record of 32-3, faced a determined Indiana squad that came into the game as the 9th seed with a record of 20-13. The outcome was a tense battle filled with momentum swings, tactical plays, and remarkable individual performances.
Initially, the game seemed to surprise the higher-seeded Gamecocks. Indiana took an early lead in the first quarter, powered by graduate student guard Chloe Moore-McNeil, who scored 8 points during a crucial stretch late in the period. The Hoosiers ended the first quarter ahead 12-9, validating their intention to compete fiercely.
As the second quarter progressed, the Hoosiers managed to extend their lead to as much as eight points, demonstrating great offensive resilience. Yet, a determined South Carolina side began to rally, scoring eight unanswered points within a two-minute span, which set the stage for a close finish at halftime. Indiana went into the locker room with a narrow 26-25 lead.
However, the second half proved to be a different story. Coach Dawn Staley’s words motivated the Gamecocks, who came out with renewed energy. They opened the third quarter with a 13-7 run, quickly establishing a lead they would not relinquish. Chloe Kitts emerged as a pivotal player, scoring significantly when it mattered most and finishing the quarter with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Despite Indiana's efforts to claw back into contention, including a critical three-pointer from Yarden Garzon early in the second half, the Gamecocks maintained their momentum. South Carolina outscored Indiana 26-14 in the third quarter, building a sturdy 51-40 advantage by the final period. The Gamecocks held off an attempt from the Hoosiers to surge back into the game in the fourth quarter, ultimately sealing the victory.
Shay Ciezki led Indiana, scoring 12 points, while Moore-McNeil and Sydney Parrish contributed 10 and 6 points, respectively. For South Carolina, Bree Hall was the standout performer, netting 11 points, supported by Kitts, who rounded off a strong showing.
The tension throughout the game was palpable, with Indiana battling fiercely to avenge their previous year’s first-round exit against this dominant South Carolina squad. The Gamecocks now look ahead to their next challenge in the Sweet 16 against the winner of the Maryland and Alabama game, scheduled for March 24.
Reflecting on the game's intensity, Staley remarked, “I’m proud of our team the way they gutted up and didn’t flinch. It wasn’t pretty, but at this time it doesn’t have to be. You just have to score more points.” These sentiments encapsulate the essence of tournament play – survival is everything.
For the Hoosiers, the loss signifies the end of the road for a determined senior trio – Moore-McNeil, Parrish, and Karoline Striplin – who have been crucial to Indiana's journey. Their contributions will be sorely missed next season as the team looks to rebuild.
Indiana's campaign concludes with a commendable record of 20-13, but the questions of what could have been will linger after two consecutive losses to South Carolina in the NCAA tournament. Nevertheless, the future remains bright for the Hoosiers as they begin to evaluate how to emerge stronger in upcoming seasons.
The South Carolina Gamecocks now look to carry this momentum into the next round, firmly positioning themselves as a team to watch as the tournament progresses. With the Sweet 16 looming, all eyes will be on Coach Staley’s squad to see how far they can advance in this tightly contested NCAA Tournament.
