Michigan women's basketball is making waves as they head back to the Sweet Sixteen. The Wolverines put on an impressive display, defeating North Carolina State 92-63 at the Crisler Center.
This victory marks just the third time in program history that Michigan has reached the NCAA Tournament's second weekend. Up next, they’ll face the winner of the Louisville and Alabama matchup in Fort Worth.
The game saw NC State struggling without their point guard, Zoe Brooks, and Michigan took full advantage with their high-pressure defense. The Wolverines forced 22 turnovers, leading to 27 more field goal attempts than their ACC rivals.
Syla Swords kept Michigan afloat during a chilly first half, but the team truly caught fire in the second. Olivia Olson was unstoppable, scoring all 27 of her points after halftime, while Swords added 26.
Mila Holloway also played a crucial role with her rebounding and six assists.
With eight straight NCAA Tournament appearances, Michigan is now just one win away from equaling their best postseason run and two wins from their first-ever Final Four.
Here’s a breakdown of the game:
First Quarter
Michigan found themselves trailing 13-12 after a scoring drought. NC State capitalized early, but Ashley Sofilkanich’s back-to-back blocks set a strong defensive tone.
Despite pushing the pace, Michigan struggled with their shooting, going 6-for-18 from the floor and missing all five 3-point attempts. Olivia Olson, starting 0-for-3 and picking up two fouls, was limited in the first half.
Second Quarter
Syla Swords took charge in the second quarter, igniting the offense with a tough layup, a baseline drive, and a deep 3-pointer that forced an NC State timeout. Her efforts put Michigan up 21-13.
Meanwhile, the Wolverines' pressing defense caused havoc, forcing six turnovers. However, NC State responded with a 12-2 run, closing the gap to 28-25 by halftime.
Third Quarter
Michigan regained momentum with a seven-point surge midway through the third quarter. Olson got on the board with a free throw, and a steal led to a Kendall Dudley transition finish.
Another turnover forced by the press resulted in Olson’s three-point play, pushing the lead to nine. Olson continued to shine, extending the lead to double digits.
NC State struggled to organize their offense without their point guard, committing two more turnovers that widened Michigan's advantage to 14. By the end of the quarter, the lead was up to 16.
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter was a formality, with Alyssa Crockett making the most of her last game at Crisler Center. Despite some early misses, Michigan’s lead was never in jeopardy.
Coach Kim Barnes Arico gave her starters a chance to soak in the applause from the home crowd. The highlight was Crockett’s corner 3-pointer in the final minute, drawing the loudest cheer.
Michigan is on a roll, heading confidently into the Sweet Sixteen, continuing their most successful season yet.