IU women’s basketball advances to the second round

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WISH) — IU women’s basketball started strong in March Madness, beating Utah, 76-68, in the first round.

“Our heart and our effort and our toughness won us this game today,” IU head coach Teri Moren said. “So just, again, really proud of our staff, really proud of our players.”

IU exploded offensively in the third quarter, scoring 27 points and building an 11 point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

IU guard Chloe Moore-McNeil said they always make it a point of emphasis to keep their foot on the gas pedal, and she thought they did a great job of that in the third quarter.

Yarden Garzon led the Hoosiers in scoring with 17 points. Shay Ciezki was also great for the Hoosiers, putting up 16 points and shooting 6-8 from the field.

“She’s fit in perfectly,” Moren said. “That’s why we recruited her. That’s why we brought her to Indiana, because we felt like she’s a piece that we needed, we had to have. And so I think her transition to us and playing in our system, both offensively and defensively, has really been quite seamless.”

IU has advanced to the second round in six straight NCAA Tournaments.

“Just being able to celebrate with the team was awesome, and seeing Syd (Sydney) Parrish put our name on the sign, it was an awesome moment,” Ciezki said. “But it only lasts for a few seconds because we’re already on to the next game. So that’s our mindset.”

The Hoosiers will play the winner of South Carolina and Tennessee Tech in the second round on Sunday.

IU played South Carolina in the Sweet 16 last season, with IU losing 79-75. South Carolina went on to win the National Championship.