In a thrilling Sweet 16 matchup of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks edged out the No. 4 seed Indiana Hoosiers with a 79-75 victory, propelling them into the Elite Eight. WYFF 4
Game Overview
The Gamecocks established an early lead, dominating the first half with their aggressive defense and efficient offense. They led 49-32 at halftime, showcasing their depth and talent. However, the Hoosiers mounted a significant comeback in the second half, narrowing the gap to 74-72 with just over a minute remaining. In a pivotal moment, South Carolina’s Raven Johnson hit a crucial three-pointer, extending the lead and ultimately securing the win. The Daily GamecockWYFF 4
Key Performances
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South Carolina Gamecocks:
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Kamilla Cardoso: Led all scorers with 22 points, providing a dominant presence in the paint.The Daily Gamecock
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Raven Johnson: Contributed 14 points, including the decisive three-pointer late in the game.
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Indiana Hoosiers:
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Sydney Parrish: Top-scored for Indiana with 21 points, fueling the team’s second-half surge.
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Team Statistics
South Carolina’s defense was instrumental, limiting Indiana’s field goal percentage to 41.3%. Offensively, the Gamecocks shot 49.8% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range, showcasing their efficiency.
Coaching Insights
Head coach Dawn Staley praised Johnson’s growth, highlighting her offseason work to improve her three-point shooting. Johnson’s confidence and dedication were evident, especially in clutch moments.
Looking Ahead
With the win, South Carolina advances to face the Oregon State Beavers in the Elite Eight. The Gamecocks aim to continue their pursuit of a perfect season, with the next game scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m.
This victory underscores South Carolina’s resilience and depth, solidifying their status as a formidable force in women’s college basketball.