Teri Moren, IU Players Bask in Victory Over Utah — But Is This Team Built for a Championship Run?
In a thrilling NCAA Tournament opener on March 21, 2025, the ninth-seeded Indiana Hoosiers women’s basketball team secured a 76-68 victory over the eighth-seeded Utah Utes at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. This win not only advanced them to the second round but also marked their 10th consecutive 20-win season under head coach Teri Moren, who boasts a 7-0 record in NCAA Tournament openers during her tenure at Indiana.
The game showcased a balanced offensive effort, with five Hoosiers scoring in double figures. Junior guard Yarden Garzon led the charge with 17 points, complemented by seven rebounds and three assists. Junior guard Shay Ciezki added 16 points, while senior guard Chloe Moore-McNeil flirted with a triple-double, contributing 12 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Notably, Moore-McNeil reached a career milestone by recording her 500th assist, becoming only the fifth player in program history to do so.
Despite this impressive performance, questions linger about Indiana’s potential for a deep tournament run. The team has faced significant challenges this season, including the departure of All-American forward Mackenzie Holmes and sharpshooter Sara Scalia, who collectively accounted for a substantial portion of the team’s offense in previous years. These losses have necessitated adjustments in both strategy and player roles.
Head coach Teri Moren has adapted by implementing elements of the Princeton offense, emphasizing passing, movement, and backdoor cuts to compensate for the absence of a dominant post presence. This strategic shift aims to leverage the versatility of players like Garzon and Moore-McNeil, who have stepped up to fill the leadership void.
However, the road ahead is daunting. The Hoosiers are slated to face the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks in the second round—a team that has returned 10 players from an undefeated national championship season and is widely regarded as the favorite to repeat.
Critics argue that Indiana’s inconsistency this season, reflected in their 19-12 record, raises concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level. While they have secured four Top 25 wins and hold a NET ranking of 35, the Hoosiers have struggled against elite competition, a factor that could be detrimental against a powerhouse like South Carolina.
Moreover, the psychological hurdle of facing a top seed cannot be underestimated. The Gamecocks’ experience and depth present a formidable challenge, and Indiana will need to execute their game plan flawlessly while maintaining composure under pressure.
In conclusion, while the Hoosiers’ victory over Utah is commendable and reflects the resilience and adaptability of both the players and coaching staff, the looming matchup against South Carolina will serve as the ultimate litmus test for their championship aspirations. The question remains: Can this Indiana team, amid a season of transition and adaptation, muster the consistency and fortitude required to dethrone a reigning champion? Only time will tell, but the odds are undeniably steep.
