Birmingham Bound: After Indiana’s annoying push, South Carolina punches their ticket to the Sweet 16

In the high-stakes world of March Madness, where every game feels like a battle for basketball immortality, there are moments when a team must rise above adversity, fend off challengers, and prove they belong among the elite. For South Carolina, their clash against Indiana in the Round of 32 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament was exactly that type of moment—a test of their resolve, skill, and desire to advance. After enduring a relentless push from the Hoosiers, the Gamecocks showed remarkable poise and determination, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory and punching their ticket to the Sweet 16 in Birmingham.

For fans of South Carolina basketball, this victory was more than just another step in the tournament. It was a statement that this team, led by a dynamic combination of experienced players and young talent, was more than capable of hanging with the best. It was also a reminder of the tumultuous road the team had traveled to get to this point—a journey that saw them battle through regular-season inconsistencies, face down skeptics, and now rise above the overwhelming challenge that Indiana posed.

Let’s break down the critical moments, the standout performances, and the narrative that unfolded as South Carolina overcame Indiana’s annoying push, advancing to the Sweet 16.

The Road to the Round of 32

South Carolina entered the tournament as a 5th seed in the East Region after a successful but turbulent regular season. They were a team with obvious potential but also marred by moments of inconsistency—especially on the offensive end. The Gamecocks had a solid finish to their SEC campaign, propelled by standout performances from Keyshawn Bryant, GG Jackson, and Jermaine Couisnard. Their ability to play tough, hard-nosed defense under head coach Lamont Paris made them an intriguing, though somewhat volatile, tournament contender.

In the first round of the tournament, they faced 12th-seeded VCU, a team that prided itself on its pressing defense and disruptive play. It wasn’t the most glamorous victory for South Carolina, but it was a convincing one. They cruised past the Rams with a balanced offensive attack, and their defense—especially the ability to contain VCU’s pressure—was the difference. That win set the stage for their Round of 32 showdown against Indiana, a team that was both a familiar tournament staple and a significant threat with a tough and aggressive style of play.

Indiana entered the tournament as a 4th seed, boasting a powerful offense led by Trayce Jackson-Davis, a senior forward who had the ability to dominate both inside and on the perimeter. The Hoosiers were not only loaded with talent but also riding high on momentum after an impressive finish to their Big Ten campaign. Their performance in the first round against Kent State was dominant, setting the stage for what promised to be an exciting matchup against the Gamecocks.

For South Carolina, the Round of 32 against Indiana would be a defining moment. A win would take them one step closer to their ultimate goal: a deep run into the Sweet 16 and beyond. But standing in their way was a powerhouse team in Indiana, led by one of the best players in the country.

The Battle of Willpower: A Back-and-Forth Game

From the opening tip, the game had all the makings of a March Madness classic. South Carolina knew they had to get off to a strong start to set the tone. They couldn’t afford to let Indiana get comfortable, especially on the offensive end. Indiana’s scoring attack, driven by Jackson-Davis, was difficult to stop, and South Carolina knew they would need to match the Hoosiers’ physicality and intensity.

South Carolina’s defense was up to the challenge early on. They closed out hard on shooters, forced tough shots, and made it difficult for Indiana to get into their rhythm. GG Jackson played a huge role in that, using his length and agility to disrupt the Hoosiers’ offense. On the other end, the Gamecocks leaned on their signature style of play: fast breaks, ball movement, and high-percentage shooting.

Keyshawn Bryant was instrumental in setting the tone early. As a veteran forward, Bryant used his experience to assert his presence inside, scoring a series of tough buckets in the paint. His ability to crash the boards and get second-chance opportunities kept South Carolina in the game during the first half. However, just as the Gamecocks looked like they were starting to control the tempo, Indiana’s relentless play kicked in.

Trayce Jackson-Davis, who had been one of the most dominant forces in the tournament, began to heat up, scoring in a variety of ways: in the paint, from mid-range, and even from the free-throw line. Jackson-Davis’s physicality and skill were unmatched by most defenders, but Jermaine Couisnard and Bryant did their best to contain him. Every time the Gamecocks seemed to pull ahead, Indiana would respond with a series of back-to-back buckets, often coming from Jackson-Davis or Jalen Hood-Schifino, a talented guard with the ability to create his own shot.

For the better part of the first half, it looked like it could be a game defined by runs—both teams trading blows, neither fully able to break away. But what stood out most about this game was the sheer grit and resilience of the Gamecocks. They weren’t just playing to compete; they were playing to prove they belonged. Despite Indiana’s push, South Carolina never let them pull away for long, keeping the game close and never letting the Hoosiers establish a dominant lead.

The Second Half: South Carolina’s Poise Under Pressure

As the second half began, Indiana’s pressure intensified. The Hoosiers had found their rhythm, and it seemed like they might pull away as Jackson-Davis continued to dominate inside. However, South Carolina weathered the storm and responded with a combination of stellar defense and timely shooting.

A key turning point came when GG Jackson hit a critical three-pointer with about 10 minutes remaining in the game. It wasn’t just any three-pointer—it was a shot that sent a message to Indiana and the crowd that South Carolina wasn’t backing down. Jackson’s confidence was palpable, and that shot seemed to ignite a spark in the entire team. Suddenly, the Gamecocks were pushing back, not only matching Indiana’s energy but matching it with their own level of intensity.

In addition to Jackson’s clutch shooting, Jermaine Couisnard stepped up in a big way, scoring several critical buckets down the stretch. His ability to drive to the basket and finish in traffic was key, especially as the Hoosiers began to collapse the paint and try to take away easy opportunities. Couisnard’s ability to create offense for himself—and for others—was one of the reasons South Carolina was able to keep their heads above water during Indiana’s runs.

On the defensive end, South Carolina’s ability to switch effectively on screens and disrupt passing lanes was crucial. They forced several turnovers during the final minutes of the game, stifling Indiana’s offensive flow. The Gamecocks’ defense, which had always been their hallmark under coach Lamont Paris, was once again a deciding factor. As the game wound down, the Hoosiers found themselves unable to get clean looks, and Jackson-Davis’s dominance inside was mitigated by the Gamecocks’ collective effort to swarm him whenever he touched the ball.

The Final Push: South Carolina Holds Off Indiana

With less than a minute remaining, the game was still in the balance. Indiana had managed to trim the lead to just two points, and it seemed like the Hoosiers might have one final push left in them. But South Carolina’s poise and execution in the final moments were what set them apart. Keyshawn Bryant hit a pair of clutch free throws with 30 seconds left to give the Gamecocks a four-point lead. Then, in the final seconds, GG Jackson grabbed a critical rebound off a missed Indiana three-pointer and was fouled.

The Hoosiers, desperate to keep their hopes alive, fouled Jackson to stop the clock. Jackson sank both free throws with ice in his veins, sealing the Gamecocks’ victory and sending them to the Sweet 16. The final buzzer sounded, and South Carolina fans erupted in celebration. The Gamecocks had survived Indiana’s push, proving their resilience and their place among the tournament’s elite teams.

What This Victory Means for South Carolina

For the Gamecocks, this victory was a testament to their growth as a team. It wasn’t just about individual performances from GG Jackson and Keyshawn Bryant—it was about the team’s collective effort to stay calm under pressure, execute when it mattered most, and finish the game strong.

Reaching the Sweet 16 was an important milestone for South Carolina. This was a program that had struggled in the NCAA Tournament in recent years, often falling short in crucial moments. But now, with a victory over a team as talented as Indiana, the Gamecocks were showing that they were more than just a one-and-done team—they were a legitimate contender.

Looking ahead, South Carolina’s path to the Final Four will be challenging, with potential matchups against some of the best teams in the country. However, after surviving Indiana’s aggressive push and showing resilience in a high-pressure environment, the Gamecocks have to be considered one of the most dangerous teams left in the tournament. With their defensive prowess, balanced offensive attack, and the leadership of players like GG Jackson and **Keysh

awn Bryant**, South Carolina’s march to March Madness glory is just beginning.

As they prepare to head to Birmingham for their Sweet 16 matchup, one thing is clear: the Gamecocks are ready to take on anyone standing in their way.