Basketball team slips past South Carolina

Solid defense and excellent free-throw shooting down the stretch lifted Kathi Bennett and the Hoosiers to their third straight win in a 69-58 victory Wednesday against South Carolina.\nUp by three with about two minutes left in the game, the Hoosiers scored the game\'s final eight points to distance themselves from the Gamecocks (0-2).\n\"We played with such composure tonight,\" Bennett said. \"Whenever they would close the gap on us, we would respond. Tonight, this team showed excellent decision-making, made clutch free throws down the stretch and came up with defensive stands when we desperately needed them.\n\"I am so proud of this team.\"\nIn the first road game for IU, three starters scored in double figures while two more added nine points. Junior center Jill Chapman led the way with 12 points and eight rebounds. Starting guards senior Rainey Alting and junior Heather Cassady combined for 21 points in 55 minutes.\nThe Hoosiers lived at the line against USC, shooting 23-for-33 from the charity stripe.\nThe Gamecocks went to the line only 16 times and committed 24 turnovers to IU\'s 17. The Hoosiers also outrebounded South Carolina, 38-32.