Michigan Triumphs Over Michigan State
In a decisive matchup on Sunday, No. 7 Michigan emerged victorious against No. 13 Michigan State, triumphing with a score of 86-65. This win not only marked Michigan’s dominance in the season series but also pushed their overall record to 22-4 and 13-2 in Big Ten play. Key to the Wolverines’ victory were Syla Swords and Olivia Olson, who contributed significantly with 24 and 23 points respectively.
Turning Point of the Game
The game shifted in favor of the Wolverines during a pivotal moment late in the first half, when Mila Holloway drained a crucial three-pointer to provide Michigan with its first lead, coming with 5:53 remaining before halftime. Holloway’s performance surged as she scored eight points within a single minute, catalyzing a remarkable 10-0 run that left the Spartans struggling.
Despite a promising start where Michigan State led by as much as eight points, the Spartans experienced a challenging second quarter, being outscored 26-9, which severely impacted their ability to recover. Kennedy Blair led Michigan State with 21 points, while Jalyn Brown contributed all 11 of her points in the first half, and Grace VanSlooten scored quickly, putting up seven of her 10 points in the first quarter.
Injury Concerns
A concerning incident occurred late in the game when Spartans forward Juliann Woodard had to leave the court in a wheelchair after reportedly sustaining a head injury while contending for a rebound in the fourth quarter.
Significance of the Matchup
The matchup held significance beyond just this game; it marked the second time this season that these rivals faced off with both teams ranked in the top 25, and it was the third overall meeting this season. Just two weeks prior, Michigan pulled off a thrilling overtime victory against Michigan State with a score of 94-91.
Record Attendance and Honors
The game attracted a season-high attendance of 11,627 fans, making it the third-largest crowd ever for a women’s basketball game held at Michigan’s Crisler Center. Adding to the occasion, Michigan took the time to honor Naz Hillmon, the first woman from the university to achieve AP All-America honors in 2022, unveiling a banner with her name and number (00) in the rafters. Hillmon, now a forward for the Atlanta Dream, was recognized as the WNBA’s Sixth Player of the Year last September.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Michigan State will prepare to host Northwestern on Wednesday, while Michigan will face No. 15 Iowa next Sunday.
