Indiana women’s basketball coach Teri Moren expressed disappointment after her team’s 74-60 loss to No. 19 Maryland, highlighting her team’s lack of consistency throughout the season. Speaking to the media, she noted that while the night was meant to honor the seniors, the team fell short, with Maryland outplaying them in nearly every aspect. Moren emphasized that the Hoosiers struggled defensively and offensively, pointing out a missed opportunity when they cut the lead to two points but then faltered with turnovers. She lamented that despite a strong performance against Ohio State just a week ago, her team failed to deliver on such a significant night.
When discussing the team’s struggles this season, Moren attributed it to a lack of focus and consistency, stating that when the team is focused, they can perform well, as evidenced by their Ohio State game. She stressed that her staff works tirelessly on scouting reports and preparation, yet individual focus and one-on-one defense have been ongoing issues. The coach also acknowledged that the physical nature of the Big Ten requires the team to embrace toughness, an area she believes the Hoosiers need to improve upon.
Regarding practice, Moren admitted that like many teams, Indiana doesn’t always enjoy practice, but emphasized that it’s necessary to maintain high standards in both practice and games. She explained that lack of focus in practice could affect game performance and urged the players to take responsibility for their actions.
Reflecting on the team’s failure to click as expected this season, Moren expressed frustration with the lack of answers, even though the coaching staff has been transparent about what needs to improve. She urged players to focus on their teammates, not just themselves, during moments of adversity. She was particularly critical of the team’s response to challenges, stating they need to fight from the start rather than waiting until the end.
Moren also discussed Maryland’s standout player, Shyanne Sellers, who scored 21 of her 25 points in the fourth quarter. Moren acknowledged that her team did well defensively against Sellers in the first half but struggled when the player started to get hot in the second half. She also mentioned the team’s urgency, particularly as the season winds down, stressing that the players understand the need for urgency.
Lastly, Moren addressed the issue of player leadership, urging the senior players, especially Chloe, Syd, and Karoline, to step up and lead by example. She compared them to past leaders like Ali Patberg and Grace Berger, who were tough competitors and held their teammates accountable. Moren concluded by expressing her gratitude for the seniors and their contributions to the program, though she was disappointed the team couldn’t secure a win on their special night.
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