INDIANAPOLIS — Teri Moren left no uncertainty on her team’s position.
IU women’s basketball fell to USC on Friday in a close, 84-79 Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals loss at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. In her postgame press conference, Moren was asked if she’s feeling positive that Indiana will make the NCAA Tournament. She gave a succinct, confident response.
“Yeah, there’s no doubt,” Moren said.
Indiana (19-12) entered Friday’s game as a projected No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament in ESPN’s Women’s Bracketology, among the last four byes. Even in defeat, the Hoosiers played well against a strong USC team and likely strengthened their résumé with their performance.
IU has had an up-and-down season, with some nice wins mixed with disappointing losses. The team has endured frustrating inconsistencies throughout the year. But at No. 28 in Torvik and No. 36 in the NET, Indiana appears to be in a solid position for a sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
The Hoosiers’ biggest win of the season came at home against then-No. 8 Ohio State. But they hung tight with No. 2 USC twice, as well as against then-No. 1 UCLA. IU knows it’s capable of pushing top teams to the brink. And its coach is certain it belongs in the bracket.
“Are we gelling at the right time? We knew the year was going to kind of be — there was going to be ebbs and flows in it, but again, we’ve got a veteran team. We’ve got an experienced team. We’ve had some tough luck throughout,” Moren said. “There’s not even a case to be made. Based on what we’ve been able to do, the history the last ten years, with our experience. I’m not worried about trying to make a case. Our team deserves to be in the field.”
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