Game story: Fifth ranks Indiana women’s basketball team defeats North Carolina

by Skip Daley

South Central Indiana News Network

The 5^th ranked Indiana Hoosiers destroyed the 6^th ranked Tar Heels of North Carolina 87-63, in front of a crowd of about 6,000 excited fans on Thursday evening at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

“We finished the business! We started it last night and felt we had a responsibility to finish it tonight,” said Indiana Hoosier Head Coach Teri Moren, referencing the big win the IU Men’s team had against UNC the previous night.

The Tar Heels scored the first 7 points of the game, but from then on, it was all Indiana. The Hoosiers shot better than 53% from the field, including 12 of 22 attempts from beyond the 3-point arc.

All-American Senior Forward Mackenzie Holmes was electrifying in the paint, leading all with 25 points. Holmes added 5 rebounds and 3 assists to her stats, as well. Junior Guard Sydney Parrish lit it up on both sides of the court, scoring 24 and grabbing 6 boards. Sara Scalia added a dozen points, Chloe Moore-McNeil had 10, and Yarden Garzon had 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

The team was having fun on the court, and they put on a show that demonstrated their amazing chemistry.

Hoosier Nation was deafening with each three-point basket Indiana sank and showed particular appreciation to Sydney Parrish as she was taken out of the game with less than 2 minutes remaining. The crowd stood and cheered for the recent transfer, acknowledging her mesmerizing performance.

When asked about how it felt to receive a standing ovation from the crowd, Sydney, a native of Fishers, Indiana simply responded, “I’m back home!”

Indiana moves to 8-0 and will definitely be recognized nationally for this incredible win. North Carolina now sits at 6-1, but has had a difficult week, consecutively playing 3 top 20 teams all on the road.

Next up for Indiana, they will host conference rival Illinois at Assembly Hall at 2 pm on Sunday, December 4^th.