IUWBB vs. South Carolina -- Sunday, 03.23.25 @ 3 p.m. on ABC

[LamarCheeks 21,820]

Birmingham Regional No. 1: No. 9 IU (20-12, 10-8 B1G)
at No. 1 South Carolina (31-3, 15-1 SEC) 

@Class of '66 Old Fart has tasked me with starting the next game thread -- so away we go.

There was a 99.9% chance we'd face the Gamecocks in the next round -- and that came to fruition. They edged Tennessee Tech by 60 on Friday afternoon. 

They went unbeaten to win it all last season, but guess who gave them their toughest test?  Yep -- your Indiana Hoooooooooosiers (as Chuck Crabb used to say). They beat us 79-75 in the Sweet 16. 

They may very well win another natty this year, but won't go undefeated: They have three losses this season and in two of them, got pounded pretty good. They lost at UCLA by 15 in November and by 29 last month to UConn (that was at home). Their other loss was a four-point setback to Texas. They beat the 'Horns pretty handily in two other matchups, however, including the SEC Tourney title game. 

Odds are huge against us, but let's let it all hang out and give it all we got. 

Here's a little clip of Syd advancing us on the bracket! 

https://x.com/IndianaWBB/status/1903175362655228012

Let's roll! 

[Class of '66 Old Fart 89,421]

Is @LamarCheeks good or is he GOOD?

[Class of '66 Old Fart 89,421]

[LamarCheeks 21,820]

Series history (The 2019-20 win is notable because I think USC trailed at the end of a quarter four times that entire season -- three were from that game. They were 32-1 before the NCAA and COVID pulled the plug on the season. Probably was IU's best victory that school year -- in any sport)

Live stats

Radio

Line: USC by 22.5   Over-under: 136.5

 

[TTT 1,294]

IU Ladies can’t allow several first half plays as they did against UTAH until towards the end….it looked like one of those games that the team that played the least worst was going to win.

However, IU Ladies turned it around in the third quarter and played through the fourth quarter for one of their best wins of the year.

Third and much of the fourth quarter performance needed vs South Carolina.

[TTT 1,294]

29 minutes ago, LamarCheeks said:

Series history

Live stats

Radio

Line: USC by 22.5   Over-under: 136.5

 

Well IU Ladies have won a couple of them vs South Carolina.

[Class of '66 Old Fart 89,421]

31 minutes ago, LamarCheeks said:

Series history

Live stats

Radio

Line: USC by 22.5   Over-under: 136.5

 

Don't like to see it, but that spread is probably pretty reasonable.  If we fall behind too far we'll never catch up.  Got to stick with them as best we can.  

[WeeDerkaNaut 589]

Congrats Teri and the women's team on the first round win, now let's take down SC and keep the run going!

[OliviaPope40 7,433]

Wish I had entered my women's bracket.

[Claxdj01 45]

South Carolina, Staley, raven Johnson are such an arrogant pompous group. Today’s presser they gave was disgusting. We damn near pulled off the impossible last year, which they all belittled, while maybe we aren’t as good as we were, they aren’t either. Have proven we can be competitive with the best, usc x 2 and ucla. Would like nothing more than to see our ladies bounce them out tomorrow. Brings me back to AJ moye saying duke is just a name on the jersey and they were not playing Jesus and the 12 disciples. go shock the world. 

Edited Sunday at 02:56 AM by Claxdj01

[HoosierHoopster 8,014]

Yeah, realistically we’re not on their level, we’re in the tourney bc Moren is an exceptional coach and the team put its best effort on the floor down the stretch. But can’t stand South C, smug, entitled, arrogant and a classless coach imo. Don’t expect our team this year to pull off this upset— but would absolutely love it and regardless hope Moren surprises them down the stretch like last year — and last year South C really only won bc the girl who wasn’t a good shooter got that shot to fall when they were rattled and desperate— they were out coached down the stretch— would love to see that again 

[Class of '66 Old Fart 89,421]

Don't expect we can match with SC quickness and look for quick early fouls on Parrish and Striplin.

[LamarCheeks 21,820]

Ciezski driving on a 6-3 big -- not gonna work. 

[LamarCheeks 21,820]

Cieski's taken two shots -- both have been blocked. 

She's gotta take smarter shots and do a better job of trying to create space. 

[schoosier 3,723]

I have watched a lot of the gamecocks women’s team and their second string is the most talented. Fun team to watch.

[LamarCheeks 21,820]

Jeezus -- they hit a 20-foot bank shot. 

Hope it's not gonna be one of those days ... 

[FloridaHoosierGirl 4,994]

It is crazy loud in there and I.U. isn't doing anything to quiet them.  LFG!

[Class of '66 Old Fart 89,421]

Gettin' crushed on the boards (11-3) so we've got to make shots.

[LamarCheeks 21,820]

Syd -- can't miss layups. 

Not in a game like this! 

[LamarCheeks 21,820]

OK -- 10 minutes down and we're actually up. 

They're stronger, they're bigger, they're more athletic -- but we're hanging in there. 

IU 12, So. Carolina 9