Michigan Women’s Basketball Triumphs Over Rutgers
PISCATAWAY, NJ – In an impressive display of skill, the No. 7 ranked Michigan women’s basketball team triumphed over Rutgers with a decisive 94-60 victory on Thursday night. The win marked a significant milestone for Michigan head coach Kim Barnes Arico, as it was her 300th victory with the program, making her the first coach—male or female—to achieve this feat for the Wolverines.
Key Performers
Leading the charge for Michigan were Syla Swords and Olivia Olson, each contributing 16 points. Mila Hollaway and Te’Yala Delfosse also played pivotal roles, adding 15 points apiece to the scoreboard. The Wolverines (16-3, 7-1 in Big Ten play) opened the game with an explosive first quarter, hitting an impressive 72% of their shots, including 13 out of 18 attempts, to establish a commanding 31-13 lead early. Swords quickly made her mark, sinking all three of her 3-point attempts during this period, bringing her total to nine points in just the first ten minutes.
Rutgers’ Resilience
Despite the overwhelming score, Rutgers fought back valiantly. Kaylah Ivey attempted to rally her team by sinking three consecutive 3-pointers, including a long-range shot that she released from nearly 28 feet away, near the Jersey Mike’s Arena logo. At halftime, though, the Scarlet Knights (9-10, 1-7) faced an uphill battle, trailing 43-24.
The Wolverines continued to dominate in the second half, and even after Rutgers narrowed the gap to 47-31, Michigan decisively outscored them 22-8 in the remainder of the third quarter. Although the lopsided score implied a one-sided match, Rutgers fans had a moment to celebrate in the closing quarter when a Michigan player missed two consecutive free throws, prompting a promotional giveaway of free shakes to the crowd. Faith Blackstone was the top scorer for Rutgers, with 21 points, while Ivey finished the night with 15.
Emotional Context
This game concluded a five-day stint for Michigan in New Jersey, following a loss to the fifth-ranked Vanderbilt at the Coretta Scott King Classic on Monday. It has been an emotional time for Barnes Arico, who lost her father, George, in November after a battle with cancer and Parkinson’s disease, and greatly misses his presence at these games.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Michigan will host USC on Sunday, while Rutgers prepares to face Washington at home on the same day.
