Michigan Wolverines Triumph Over Northwestern
Evanston, Illinois – In an impressive display, the No. 7 ranked Michigan Wolverines defeated Northwestern 80-58 on Thursday night, with standout performances from Olivia Olson, who recorded 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. This victory comes on the heels of a recent home loss to No. 2 UCLA, as Michigan improved to a 21-4 overall record and 12-2 in the Big Ten Conference.
Game Highlights
Despite starting sluggishly and trailing by as much as seven points, Michigan found their rhythm as the game progressed. A pivotal moment occurred in the third quarter, where the Wolverines launched a significant 21-3 scoring run, taking control of the match for good. Syla Swords contributed with 16 points, while Kendall Dudley added 12 points from an efficient 6-of-9 shooting.
Northwestern’s Struggles
For Northwestern, who’s now facing their sixth straight defeat, Caroline Lau and Grace Sullivan each accounted for 16 points. Tayla Thomas also made her impact felt with 13 points. Northwestern initially surged ahead, closing the first half on a 9-0 run to lead 37-31 after dominating the second quarter, where Michigan’s shooting faltered to just 38%.
Looking Ahead
The Wolverines started to gain momentum late in the third, with crucial contributions allowing them to create a comfortable 23-point lead late in the game, punctuated by a jumper from Olson with 3:30 left on the clock. Looking ahead, Michigan’s next challenge will see them host rival Michigan State, ranked No. 13, while Northwestern is set to travel to Penn State in their upcoming matchup.
