Indiana’s Teri Moren Reflects on Tough Loss to South Carolina, Praises Team’s Legacy and Looks Ahead
Indiana head coach Teri Moren faced the media following the Hoosiers’ hard-fought 64-53 loss to South Carolina in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite the disappointment, Moren had nothing but praise for her team and their legacy, while also acknowledging the Gamecocks’ strength.
Giving Credit Where It’s Due
Moren opened her remarks by tipping her hat to South Carolina, recognizing their “terrific team” and the electric atmosphere they create at home.
“This is the first time we’ve been here—it’s a tough place to play,” Moren admitted. “They make it a tough environment, but it’s great for women’s basketball.”
She also commended her team’s defensive effort, emphasizing how well they contained South Carolina’s high-powered offense.
“This is a team that averages over 80 points; we held them to 64,” Moren noted. “They average 40 points in the paint; we kept them about 10 below their average. (They average) 13 second-chance points; we just gave them five tonight.”
The Third Quarter Collapse
Despite a strong defensive showing, the third quarter proved to be Indiana’s downfall. South Carolina dominated the paint, scored 14 points inside, and forced five costly turnovers.
“The first, second, and fourth quarters, we were right there,” Moren said. “If we could have any do-overs, it would have been that third quarter.”
She speculated that South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley likely fired up her team at halftime, leading to their intensity shift.
“I wasn’t in Dawn’s halftime, but I imagine she might have been a little spirited in there,” Moren joked. “They needed to pick it up, and they did.”
A Lasting Legacy at Indiana
Moren made it clear that her players, Chloe Moore-McNeil and Sydney Parrish, have cemented their names in Indiana history.
“Not a lot of kids can say they’ve built a legacy,” she said proudly. “Syd and Chloe have won a lot of games at Indiana. They’ve won a Big Ten championship and put us in special positions during March Madness.”
She acknowledged the changing landscape of college basketball, with the transfer portal opening and many players seeking new opportunities. However, she emphasized that loyalty and perseverance still mean something at Indiana.
“Chloe stuck with the process. Those Chloes are gone now—players aren’t staying four or five years anymore,” Moren said. “She’s someone you write about when it comes to loyalty.”
The Transfer Portal and Future Plans
With Indiana set to lose key players, Moren knows she must strategically navigate the transfer portal to rebuild the team.
“We don’t just take anyone from the portal,” she stressed. “There are certain types of players that have to fit Indiana and the way we do things.”
She emphasized the importance of finding high-character athletes who embrace team culture over individual success.
“We want competitors,” Moren said. “We want kids that want to come in and work every single day.”
Indiana’s Grit and Identity
Moren remains committed to Indiana’s identity as a gritty, defensive-minded team.
“We’ve built this program on toughness and no-nonsense basketball,” she said. “We will always hang our hat on defense.”
Though she acknowledges the importance of scoring, athleticism, and size—especially with the addition of new West Coast teams to the Big Ten— her primary focus remains on finding the right players.
“Winning is hard. I say that a lot around Cook Hall,” she stated. “But the right players will thrive in our culture.”
Message to Hoosier Nation
Moren made sure to show appreciation for Indiana’s loyal fanbase, acknowledging how much their support means to the team.
“What we’ve built at Indiana with our fans is special,” she said. “They make Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall a difficult place to play, and we’re so grateful for their support.”
Looking Ahead
While the loss to South Carolina stings, Moren remains optimistic about the future.
“We’ll go out, we’ll recruit, and we’re excited about the players coming in,” she said. “The standards at Indiana don’t change. We want to keep winning at a high level and playing in March Madness.”
As Indiana prepares for next season, Moren’s focus remains the same: building a team that embraces hard work, toughness, and team-first basketball.
“It’s still about the team, the team, the team,” she declared. “We’re preparing student-athletes not just for basketball, but for life after Indiana.”
