Michigan
22-10,11-7Big Ten
USC
28-2,16-1Big Ten
Late USC Run the Difference as U-M Ousted From B1G Tourney in Semifinals
3/8/2025 6:42:00 PM | Women's Basketball
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The University of Michigan women's basketball team tied the game at 60 with 6:29 remaining before No. 2-ranked USC scored 14 straight over the next three minutes to take control in an 82-70 Trojans win on Saturday afternoon (March 8) in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Syla Swords led the way for Michigan (22-10), going for a game-high 26 points, six rebounds and three steals. Olivia Olson recorded 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals, with Jordan Hobbs rounding out Michigan's double-figure scorers with 12 points. Michigan scored 18 points off 17 USC (28-2) turnovers, but the Wolverines were whistled for 17 second-half fouls, resulting in 24 free-throw attempts in the second 20 minutes.
Both teams started slow, combining for just 12 points over the first five minutes of the contest. A bucket from Mila Holloway, followed by a layup from Swords gave Michigan a 10-6 lead with just over three minutes remaining. USC pulled even on its final possession of the first quarter before Swords hit a triple from the left wing as time expired for a 15-12 U-M lead after 10 minutes.
Michigan kept the lead in the second quarter, eventually taking a 27-18 advantage off back-to-back triples from Hobbs with 5:24 left before the half. USC kept chipping away at the lead, but U-M kept answering. A pair of Swords free throws at the 2:11 mark pushed Michigan's advantage to 31-25, but USC scored the final four points of the half for a 31-29 Wolverine lead at the break.
Olson scored on Michigan's first possession of the third quarter as the Wolverines maintained a lead in the opening minutes of the third. Michigan's lead crept back to seven, 46-39, on another pair at the line from Swords with just under five minutes left in the period.
USC countered with seven straight to tie the contest at 46 with 3:12 remaining before Olson hit a tough jumper in the lane to regain the lead moments later. The Trojans took their first lead since the first quarter on a pair at the line just over a minute later. Greta Kampschroeder made two of her own to end the third quarter, pulling Michigan within a point, 53-52, entering the final quarter.
Hobbs hit a pullup to start the fourth, nudging Michigan back in front by a point. USC ripped off five straight points, with Olson following with four straight of her own to tie the game at 58. Following a USC basket, Swords pulled the game level for the final time at 60 with 6:29 remaining.
The Trojans scored 14 straight points, taking a 74-60 lead with just over 3:21 left. Michigan closed the gap to eight with 1:24 remaining but could get no closer in the contest.
U-M will now await selection to the NCAA Tournament. The selection show is set for Sunday, March 16, at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
