The dazzling sophomore class of the Michigan women's basketball team showed another sign of growth this week in the NCAA Tournament, knocking off Holy Cross and North Carolina State (92-63) with ease on their way to the Sweet 16.
For the Michigan women's basketball team, it's the first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2022. This team might have higher aspirations, though. This was the highest-seed team in program history, led by First-Team All-Big Ten performers Syla Swords and Olivia Olson.
They looked the part, especially in the 29-point win over the Wolfpack on Sunday in Ann Arbor.
Those sophomores aren't the only dynamic players on the roster, or even in the class. Mila Holloway nearly had a triple-double in the first-round win over Holy Cross. She was essential on Sunday, too, helping Michigan force a bevy of turnovers in the second half, breaking open a game that the Wolverines led by just three at the break.
Olivia Olson has her best half as a Michigan women's basketball player
After not scoring in the first half, Olson scored 27 in the second. The All-American continues to grow before our eyes. Swords wasn't far behind with 26 points, pushing her to 1,000-career points after her fourth 3-point shot of the game.
Holloway added 13 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. She was 6-for-18 from the field, so that needs to improve. It's hard to find much to complain about, though.
The Wolverines routed 21-win North Carolina State. 75 of the 92 points were scored by sophomores. Olson had the best half of her career, and Michigan heads to the Sweet 16 with confidence, and momentum.
Texas will be tough to beat. The third-round against Louisville or Alabama won't be easy either, but this Michigan women's basketball team looks like a juggernaut.
You thought this team might be a year away. After the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, it feels like the future is now for the Wolverines.