Michigan women's basketball ended its season with an 87-69 victory over #14 Maryland. Michigan dominated in points from turnovers (32-13), the paint (48-36), and second chances (13-4). In other words, a typical hustling win.
Olivia Olson is the paragon of good shot selection
Dig into sophomore Olivia Olson’s team leading 28 points and you’ll see open and in-rhythm shots within her range. They are congruent with the game tempo and shot clock, that is, low-percentage shots early in the clock. Olson takes shots that she can make, an underrated skill that shows a player who has practiced intentionally and for consistency.
“If you know Liv, she is the hardest worker I’ve ever seen in my life,” senior Alyssa Crockett said via the Michigan Daily. “Always getting in work. Whenever I’m going to the gym, I always see her car there. She’s there two hours early, getting her workouts in, always doing film and so I just think having that work really pay off for her is super awesome.”
It is no wonder that the offense runs plays for her because she uses her teammates effectively, using their screens and cutting to spots they expect her to go. She also capitalizes on opportunities given to her by her and her teammates’ defensive work. Turnovers become points instantly. Against Maryland, Michigan scored 32 points that way. Olson’s shooting statistics were 11-18 from the floor, 3-4 from behind the 3 pt arc, and was 3-3 from the free throw line. Efficiency like that doesn’t come from luck.
Tournament Ready?
Sophomores and leading scorers Mila Holloway, Syla Swords and Olivia Olson all as expected, that is great. They combined for 57 of Michigan’s 87 points. In terms of the upcoming games, Michigan has four players that have proven they can pick up the slack. Sophomore Te’Yala Delfosse is averaging 8.7 points but got 10 against Maryland. Next is junior Ashley Sofilkanich, averaging 7.6 and then senior Brooke Quarles Daniels averaging 6.6, but her contributions shine elsewhere, although she’s capable of getting buckets.
When asked if her team was ready for the tournaments, Coach Kim Barnes Arico said, “We had a moment in the locker room just for the seniors and honored people that came before this year. The players in the room following that group before want to win championships, and they are on a mission to do that.”