If you needed a reminder of how good the freshmen are for Michigan women's basketball, Olivia Olson and Syla Swords offered up a reminder on Thursday in Indianapolis.
Washington was the No. 12 seed in the Big Ten women's tournament, but the Huskies are projected to make the NCAA tournament and are one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the Big Ten.
The game was close throughout. Michigan women's basketball led by just one point at the intermission but finally broke the game open with a 23-13 run in the third quarter. Washington rallied back in the fourth quarter, but Michigan held on for the 66-58 win.
Olson, the Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year, poured in 21 points for Michigan women's basketball with six boards on 9-of-15 shooting. She had a steal and two offensive rebounds. Swords also had a stellar day, scoring 15 points -- giving them freshmen tandem 36.
Swords made 6-of-12 shots from the field. She also connected twice from 3-point range in the win for the Wolverines. Jordan Hobbs was credited with 11 points. Mila Holloway had just three points but managed eight assists. Holloway is another freshman who earned her way onto the Big Ten All-Freshman team.
Dalayah Daniels led all scorers with 22 points. However, Michigan women's basketball limited Washington to just 4-of-18 from 3-point range. The Huskies shot just 40 percent from the field and that effort was vital to the win.
Michigan women's basketball will take on fourth-seeded Maryland in the quarterfinals on Friday at approximately 2:30 PM EST. Maryland beat Michigan 85-77 in the previous matchup in College Park.
The winner of that game will play the winner of Indiana-USC on Saturday in the Big Ten semifinals. Michigan women's basketball is seeking a second straight trip to the Big Ten semis. The Wolverines were knocked out by Iowa last season.
Regardless, the Wolverines will be headed back to the NCAA tournament.