Michigan women's basketball has exceeded expectations this season and solidified that further with an 80-74 win over Iowa State in the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament on Friday.
The Wolverines have been a regular in the NCAA tournament under Kim Barnes Arico. U-M lost its opening-round game last season, but bounced back, despite trailing by nine points to notch a six-point win over 11th-seeded Iowa State.
The Cyclones won one of the play-in games earlier this week and started off strong against Michigan. The lead was cut to five points at the half. Michigan cut into the lead in the third quarter then took over early in the fourth quarter as freshmen Olivia Olson and Mila Holloway combined for the Wolverines first nine points of the final stanza.
Holloway knocked down a 3-pointer later in the stanza as did Jordan Hobbs, who connected five times from beyond the arc to extend her career. Audi Crooks led Iowa State with 28 points. Michigan's interior defense has been a weakness all season and that wasn't surprising, but the Wolverines knocked down 12 triples compared to 11 for Iowa State.
The Cyclones missed a tying attempt late in the fourth quarter, then after an offensive rebound, Olson scored again, giving her 16 in the game, to put Michigan up five. Iowa State didn't score again that and was that.
Hobbs scored 28 points thanks to five triples. Olson had 16 in her NCAA tournament debut for Michigan women's basketball, while Syla Swords added 11 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Holloway tacked on 12 points, while Greta Kampschroeder knocked down three from the perimeter to score 13.
The Wolverines didn't have any bench points. Michigan women's basketball is now 23-10 on the season and will play either No. 3 Notre Dame or 14th-seeded Stephen F. Austin. Tip-off is to be announced.