Michigan Surges to Secure 70-60 Win Over Minnesota
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Olivia Olson poured in 21 points and grabbed four rebounds to help No. 9 Michigan erase an early deficit and defeat Minnesota 70-60 on Monday night. The Wolverines, who sit at 12-2 on the season and 3-1 in Big Ten play, relied on a balanced attack as Mila Holloway and Syla Swords each contributed 12 points to push the home team past the Gophers.
Early Struggles Against a Determined Opponent
Michigan faced a stiff challenge in the opening minutes, with Minnesota forcing miscues and gaining an early edge. The Wolverines regrouped at the defensive end, clamping down and denying easy looks while Olson transformed her early touches into steady scoring. By the time the first quarter waned, Michigan had begun to close the gap, signaling a shift in momentum that would define the remainder of the game.
Balanced Scoring, Strong Third-Quarter Push
Beyond Olson’s 21 points, Holloway and Swords provided timely offense, keeping Michigan’s pace up and ensuring the Wolverines maintained a balanced scoring attack. The pair’s 12-point outputs were complemented by contributions from teammates who stepped up as the defense tightened around Minnesota’s star players.
The turning point came in the middle quarters when Michigan slipped into a fuller offensive rhythm, stretching the floor, moving the ball crisply, and converting at a steady clip from the field. The Wolverines outscored the visitors in crucial stretches, using crisp ball movement and disciplined shot selection to build a lead that Minnesota could not overturn in the final minutes.
Closing Accolades for Michigan’s Resilient Night
As the clock wound down, Michigan’s defense remained stingy, limiting second-chance opportunities and keeping Minnesota from reclaiming its early advantage. Olson’s scoring volume steadied the offense, while Holloway and Swords contributed key baskets during the late push. The result was a well-earned victory that reinforced Michigan’s standing as a top-tier team in the Big Ten.
What’s Next for Michigan
With this conference victory in the books, Michigan will look to maintain its competitive edge as it continues Big Ten play. The combination of Olson’s scoring ability, Holloway’s consistency, and Swords’ clutch play gives the Wolverines depth to lean on in upcoming road tests and home showdowns alike. The defensive consistency in critical moments will also be a focal point as Michigan aims to sustain its strong season trajectory.
