The South Carolina Gamecocks found their rhythm in the second, defeating the Indiana Hoosiers 64-53 to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16. The Gamecocks showcased their resilience, overcoming early offensive struggles with a dominant third-quarter surge that ultimately sealed the victory.
A Struggle in the First Half
South Carolina entered the game as the favorite but had trouble finding their footing early. Indiana’s defensive pressure and efficient ball movement kept the Gamecocks off balance, limiting their scoring opportunities. Turnovers and missed shots plagued South Carolina in the first two quarters, and they found themselves trailing by a single point at halftime.
Head coach Dawn Staley urged her team to reset during the break, emphasizing defensive intensity and faster ball movement. The message was received loud and clear as the Gamecocks came out of the locker room with a new sense of urgency.
A Dominant Second Half
The third quarter proved to be the turning point for South Carolina. A 20-7 scoring run, fueled by strong defensive stops and transition buckets, shifted the momentum entirely in their favor. Freshman standout Joyce Edwards and veteran guard Raven Johnson played key roles in the surge, capitalizing on Indiana’s mistakes and attacking the basket with confidence.
The Gamecocks’ defense also tightened up, making it difficult for the Hoosiers to generate open looks. Indiana’s offense, which had found success in the first half, was stifled as South Carolina controlled the boards and forced turnovers.
Securing the Victory and Moving Forward
By the fourth quarter, South Carolina had complete control of the game. They maintained their lead and executed efficiently down the stretch, preventing Indiana from mounting any significant comeback. The Gamecocks’ poise and depth proved too much for the Hoosiers to handle.
With this win, South Carolina advances to the Sweet 16, continuing their quest for a national championship. If they can build on their second-half performance, they will be a formidable opponent in the next round.
