Michigan women's basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico criticized the NCAA Selection Committee for not including the Wolverines in its first top 16 ranking. She found this slight insulting as her team is highly ranked within the top 16 of both the AP and Coaches' poll and was 12-1 as of Feb. 16.
The Michigan women's basketball team found itself in a new position in Tuesday night's game against Michigan State: without junior forward Naz Hillmon and junior wing Leigha Brown. The two sat out due to foul trouble for what was only around four minutes, but became a critical juncture of the game as fifth-year guard Akenrieh Johnson carried the Wolverines through what was a dangerous situations for the Wolverines.
In its first home game since the 14-day pause, Michigan fought a tight battle with rival Michigan State. The game was a rocky road, with the result in doubt during the third quarter, but the Wolverines found victory thanks to effective 3-point shooting and key defensive stops down the stretch.
Defense has been key in the Wolverines' historic start.
For the first time this season, Michigan will face Michigan State on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at Crisler Center.
Brown’s ability to impact the game after three weeks of sitting out shows both her grit and desire. Against Purdue, she showed just how important she is.
Lifted by junior wing Leigha Brown’s return and defensive improvements in the second half, the Wolverines went on to win comfortably, 62-49.
Michigan women's basketball is set to play its first game post-pause against Purdue on Feb. 11. The Wolverines' veteran core will do its best to pull the team, which has been working out as much as it can in preparation for this return, to a good result against the Boilermakers, who have lost their last three games.
The Daily breaks down some key factors to watch for as Michigan returns from its mandatory COVID hiatus.
Brown was an integral part of Michigan’s early success that led to a 10-0 start. Without her, Michigan has struggled to put points on the board and guard opposing teams’ perimeter threats.