The Indiana University women’s basketball team has secured the No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament and is gearing up to face off against No. 13 Fairfield in the first round. Positioned as a host seed, Indiana is expected to progress beyond the initial weekend of competition. With potential matchups against No. 5 Oklahoma and No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast looming in the Bloomington bracket, the Hoosiers have a favorable path to advance.
However, past disappointments have fueled a determined mindset within the team. Last season, as a No. 1 seed, Indiana suffered a surprising upset on its home court against No. 9 Miami in the second round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. This defeat has left a lingering chip on their shoulders, motivating them to avoid a similar fate this time around.
To ensure a successful tournament run, Indiana must focus on several key areas:
1. **Ensure Mackenzie Holmes’ Full Fitness:** Fifth-year senior center Mackenzie Holmes aggravated her left knee injury during IU’s regular-season finale, impacting her performance in the subsequent Big Ten tournament. Despite being available for the game against Michigan, Holmes was not at full strength, limiting her effectiveness. Her absence was keenly felt, particularly in the paint and on the boards, highlighting her crucial role in the team’s strategy.
2. **Adaptability on the Court:** Indiana’s ability to adapt to varying game conditions has been pivotal in their success. When their trademark three-point shooting falters, as seen in losses to Illinois and Michigan, the team struggles to find alternative offensive strategies. Against Michigan, in particular, Indiana’s lack of a strong post presence was evident as they conceded significant points in the paint. The Hoosiers must be prepared to adjust their game plan swiftly to counter such challenges in tournament play.
3. **Eliminate Third-Quarter Setbacks:** IU has grappled with third-quarter setbacks throughout the conference season, a vulnerability that opponents have exploited. Instances like scoring just 10 points while conceding 23 against Ohio State underscore the team’s struggle in maintaining momentum after halftime. Efforts to address this with adjusted halftime routines have shown mixed results, necessitating consistent focus and resilience heading into tournament matchups.
Despite these challenges, Indiana remains poised for success in the NCAA tournament. A strong start against Fairfield should provide momentum as they potentially face tougher opposition in subsequent rounds. While a matchup with top-seeded South Carolina looms large, the Hoosiers are prepared to leverage their strengths and strategic adjustments to secure a coveted spot in the Sweet 16 and beyond.