The Indiana women's basketball team faced what could be a season-ending defeat against fifth-seeded Ohio State in the Big Ten tournament, ending the game with a 24-point deficit.

This will be the first time since 2019 that IU might not be included in the NCAA tournament after an 18-12 season (6-12 in the Big Ten).

While the IU can technically continue its season by participating in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT), there is still doubt surrounding it, especially from coach Teri Moren, who was more interested in looking forward to the transfer portal.

"We haven't even thought about that, we really, honest to goodness, have just put our head down, and we've just focused on especially finishing out the season the way we wanted to finish it out because we wanted to get into the tournament, the Big Ten tournament," Moren said postgame.

"Then our focus has just been on the Big Ten Tournament. ... We're a little bit beat up. So I don't know what they'll decide. For some of those kids, we got some end-of-the-season things we've got to get them healthy." The 56-year-old added.

But when guard Lenee Beaumont was asked about it, there were much clearer indications of whether the Hoosiers will go ahead with participating in the WBIT or not. Beaumont confirmed ahead of Moren's interview that Indiana did not have any concrete plans after the Big Ten tournament, and their season is more than likely over.

"I don't know if it's public or not, but it will be, so we will not be at any WNIT or anything, just because, I mean, for a bunch of reasons. But obviously, a lot of these girls came here to go play in March and (the) March Madness tournament, as well as myself, and, you know, that's the standard." Beaumont said in a locker-room interview.

During the interview, Beaumont also got emotional talking about the coach backing her up and putting faith in her, even when she felt easily replaceable.

"To have that belief in me... It's such a business at the college level, [Moren] could have tried to recruit over me or push me to the side." A teary-eyed Beaumont said.

While there is a stark difference in what coach Moren and Beaumont said about Indiana's looming participation in the WBIT, there has been no official confirmation yet, with a Hoosiers spokesperson saying, "At this time we are still evaluating options."

Indiana Fans React Amidst Doubts Over WBIT Participation

Meanwhile, Indy fans are disappointed that the team will not be able to participate in the NCAA tournament for the first time in six years. While some fans are looking forward to the WBIT in hopes of Indiana's participation, others feel more concerned for the players' physical health.

"That is blowing a chance to keep trying to get better. Nothing is better than live game action." One user wrote in favour of the team participating in the tournament to gain some much-needed experience after an uninspiring regular season.

One user asked, "Is there really no shot at March Madness? Like at all? Or is it just really unlikely?" to which another one replied, "None. They're 18-14, and their NET is 50 - way too low to be an at-large. They'd be wise to accept a WBIT bid, which will likely come." The majority of the fans want the Hoosiers' season to continue and end on a higher note than it is currently.

A user provided a different perspective, "As much as I want us take it, we also need to look at our depth this year and health."

A valid take, as Indiana has suffered prior injuries that have harmed their season later on, with prominent examples being Zania Socka-Nguemen, Shay Ciezki, Sydney Fenn, and even Lenee Beaumont, who was sidelined for the whole 2024/25 season due to a knee injury.

What would be your take on the whole? State in the comments below!

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joyita Das