South Carolina defeats Indiana to secure Sweet 16 spot

In an intense matchup in the women's NCAA Tournament held at Colonial Life Arena, the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks faced off against the ninth-seeded Indiana Hoosiers on March 23, 2025. South Carolina came into the game with a strong record of 32-3 and aimed to reach the Sweet 16 for the 11th consecutive time. Both teams had met in the same round the previous year, where South Carolina narrowly won after underestimating their opponent's resilience. This time, with lessons learned, South Carolina aimed to maintain their focus throughout the entirety of the game, from the first whistle to the final buzzer. As the first half progressed, South Carolina struggled significantly against Indiana's defense, shooting only 10 of 29 and trailing 26-25 at halftime. Coach Dawn Staley and the team recognized the urgency to shake off their previous slow start after last year's experience. The Gamecocks emerged with renewed determination in the third quarter, igniting the crowd with a spectacular 20-7 run. Bree Hall's three-pointers started shifting momentum, and with Kitts' contributions, they gained a significant lead, preventing Indiana from finding their rhythm. The Hoosiers maintained competitive spirit with Shay Ciezki scoring 12 points, yet they could not capitalize on South Carolina's initial struggles. Karoline Striplin and Lilly Meister were tasked with the defensive effort for Indiana, but the Gamecocks showcased their depth and skill as the game unfolded. South Carolina's defensive prowess began to shine, shutting down Indiana's scoring opportunities and effectively sealing the game in the later stages. The critical performances from Hall and Kitts, alongside the rest of the team, ensured that South Carolina could build on their experience and secure a spot in the next round of the tournament. Ultimately, the Gamecocks improved their record to 18-1 in the past four NCAA Tournaments, firmly establishing themselves as contenders once again. Their victory marked another significant step forward in seeking a national championship, reinforcing their reputation as a dominant force in women's collegiate basketball. The outcome of this match not only exemplified a hard-fought battle but also showcased the knowledge gained by both teams in high-pressure situations.