Kim Barnes Arico has Michigan women's basketball back in the NCAA tournament. The Wolverines have three freshman in their starting lineup but they still won 22 games and earned a No. 6 seed.
Michigan women's basketball will face 11th-seed Iowa State on Friday. The Cyclones have a dynamic offensive attack led by 6-foot-3 Audi Crooks. She averages over 22 points per game. Iowa State also has seven different players who average at least one 3-point field goal per game.
Michigan is a long team though. They have numerous players that are 6-foot-2 or taller, however, the 2-point defense was a strong suit. Michigan is good at forcing turnovers. That will be critical. The Wolverines also allow opponents to make just 28.9 percent of their 3-point attempts (65th).
Iowa State shoots 36 percent (24th) on 3-point attempts, so that will be a key game within the game. Michigan women's basketball is also a prolific 3-point shooting team shooting 35.7 percent. The Cyclones allowed teams to make 34.5 percent which ranks 344th in women's college basketball.
Michigan has five players averaging at least one 3-pointer per game led by Syla Swords (2.1). Swords and Olivia Olson both average 16 points per game. Jordan Hobbs isn't far behind at 13.
The Wolverines and Cyclones will play at 11:30 AM EST on Friday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2. Michigan women's basketball fans can also listen to the radio broadcast of the game at Mgoblue.com.
This is the seventh straight NCAA tournament appearance for the Wolverines.