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Michigan women’s basketball roundup: Grading last week (2/13), this week’s major game

By Chris Peterson

Indiana's Mackenzie Holmes (54) works agaisnt Michigan's Emily Kiser (33) during the first half of the Indiana versus Michigan women's basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.Iu Mu Wbb 1h Holmes 2
Indiana's Mackenzie Holmes (54) works agaisnt Michigan's Emily Kiser (33) during the first half of the Indiana versus Michigan women's basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.Iu Mu Wbb 1h Holmes 2 /
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Here’s our weekly Michigan women’s basketball roundup where we grade the past week for the Wolverines and look at what’s ahead. 

There was just one game on the schedule this week for the Michigan women’s basketball team as the Wolverines traveled to Indiana on Thursday for a critical Big Ten matchup.

Both teams entered the game in the top four of the Big Ten standings since the Hoosiers are leading the Big Ten and they were able to expand their lead this week with two more wins including a 68-52 win over Michigan women’s basketball.

It was the first double-digit defeat of the season for the Wolverines. The loss wasn’t all that disappointing but I was hoping for a better effort. Of course, the fact that Michigan women’s basketball has been without Lalia Phelia didn’t help.

Indiana also did something that most Big Ten teams have failed to do and that’s shut down Leigha Brown who was held to just nine points. Michigan is now 10-5 in the Big Ten with three games to go and the Wolverines trail Ohio State right now for fourth place by half a game.

Michigan women’s basketball grade: D

Looking ahead to Michigan women’s basketball vs Ohio State

Ohio State has the eighth-best scoring offense in all of women’s college basketball and Taylor Mikesell, who averages 17.4 points per game and 3.1 3-point field goals, is a huge part of that.

She’ll be a focal point for the Wolverines’ defense, yet the Buckeyes have six players that average at least 10 points per game so it will be a big challenge for Michigan.

Ohio State is solid defensively too and is fourth in the Big Ten in points allowed, as well as points scored. Michigan women’s basketball ranks third in the Big Ten in scoring defense and held Ohio State to 66 in Columbus.

If that happens on Monday night, they’d have to feel good about their chances assuming the offense can bounce back. Michigan has been held under 60 points just twice this season and not once in Crisler Center.

A loss will likely mean that Michigan would miss out on a first-round bye in the Big Ten tournament so there’s plenty at stake. Both teams are ranked too as Michigan is 12th and Ohio State is 13th, at least for now.

dark. Next. Grading the week of 2/6 for Michigan women's basketball

The game is going to be a “Blue Out” and the atmosphere should be electric. Tip-off is set for 7 PM EST and the game will be televised on Fox Sports 1.