COLUMBIA, S.C. — The stage is set for a thrilling rematch between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Indiana Hoosiers in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament this Sunday, March 23.
Defending champions South Carolina (31-3) are coming off a dominant opening round victory over Tennessee Tech, crushing the competition with a score of 108-48. Head coach Dawn Staley's team hit a season-high 12 three-pointers in that game, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Hoosiers (20-12) advanced by defeating the No. 8 seed Utah Utes, 76-68. Indiana clawed back in the third quarter and maintained control in the fourth to secure their place in the tournament. In this matchup, Indiana enters as a heavy 22.5-point underdog with just a 4.5% chance to emerge victorious, according to ESPN.
Last season, the Gamecocks met the Hoosiers in the Sweet 16 and narrowly secured a 79-75 victory, a game marked by significant momentum swings and a late-game rally by Indiana. Staley recalls, "We got a taste of that in the last NCAA Tournament, and we have that in mind. At the top of our minds.” This familiarity adds extra layers of intrigue to the match-up, as both teams are eager to recall the high stakes from their previous encounter.
In terms of individual performances, South Carolina's freshman forward Joyce Edwards has quickly become a key player, having scored a game-high 22 points against Tennessee Tech and leading the team with an average of 13.4 points per game this season. Staley spoke highly of her contribution, showing confidence in her ability to perform in critical situations.
On the other hand, Indiana's Sydney Parrish, who previously played alongside South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao at Oregon, is another focal point. Parrish is averaging 11.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, making her one of the Hoosiers' most reliable players. With a quiet game in the previous matchup against Utah, it’s likely fans will see her stepping up against her former teammates in the high-stakes atmosphere.
Coaching strategies will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome. Teri Moren, Indiana's head coach, highlighted the importance of addressing South Carolina's offensive rebounding, remarking, "Where they really get you is the offensive rebounds. We have to do our job, especially keeping their players like Joyce and Chloe Kitts off the glass," noting the challenge in combating South Carolina's size and athleticism.
The buzz surrounding the game will be palpable, with Colonial Life Arena expected to be filled to capacity, reflecting South Carolina's strong home court advantage. Over the past four seasons, the Gamecocks have won 66 out of 67 games at Colonial Life, further solidifying their dominance on home turf. As Parrish remarked, “I think that’s what makes March Madness really special,” acknowledging the electrifying environment and the challenge facing Indiana.
As fans prepare for the much-anticipated send-off at the Marriott Hotel on Sunday at 12:45 PM, they are eager for their team to advance to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year. With a win, Indiana would mark a significant upset against the reigning champions, as they look to defy the odds and continue their tournament journey. Experts have varying predictions, but many align with a victory for South Carolina, with scores projected from sources like the Massey Ratings estimating a 77-58 win for the Gamecocks.
As the clock ticks down to game time at 3:00 PM on ABC, who will emerge triumphant? Will the Gamecocks confidently secure their spot in the next round or will the Hoosiers find a way to shock the basketball world? Fans won't want to miss this showdown!
