Dawn Staley and her top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks faced some tense moments in their NCAA Tournament clash with No. 9 seed Indiana. Despite trailing at halftime, they regrouped and ultimately secured a victory, earning a spot in the Sweet 16. The win not only extended their tournament run but also brought another financial incentive for Staley.
As reported by Steve Berkowitz of USA Today, Staley received a $25,000 bonus for leading her team to the Sweet 16. This latest achievement increased her total tournament bonuses to $180,000 so far.
South Carolina overcame early struggles against Indiana and finished strong with a 64-53 victory. Key contributions came from Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin, who each scored 10 points, while Bree Hall added 11. A decisive third quarter, where the Gamecocks outscored the Hoosiers 26-14, played a crucial role in their comeback and eventual win.
South Carolina asserted its dominance on the boards, outrebounding Indiana 37-27, which played a key role in securing the victory. Their strong presence in the paint helped them gain extra possessions and limit Indiana’s second-chance opportunities.
Despite the loss, Indiana put forth a balanced scoring effort, with four players reaching double figures. Their well-rounded offensive performance kept them competitive, especially in the first half, before South Carolina’s surge in the third quarter shifted the momentum.
Ultimately, the Gamecocks’ rebounding advantage, combined with their second-half adjustments, proved too much for Indiana to overcome. Their ability to control the glass and execute down the stretch ensured their spot in the Sweet 16 while adding another milestone to Dawn Staley’s impressive coaching résumé.
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