Michigan Routs NC State, Advances to Women’s Sweet 16 | NCAA Tournament 2024

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A slow start gave way to a dominant second-half performance as the second-seeded Michigan Wolverines defeated seventh-seeded N.C. State 92-63 on Sunday, securing their place in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Sophomore guard Olivia Olson exploded for all 27 of her points after halftime, leading a Wolverines team that overwhelmed the Wolfpack with relentless defense and opportunistic scoring.

Michigan (27-6) will now face the winner of the Louisville versus Alabama matchup in the Fort Worth Regional semifinals. This marks the third Sweet 16 appearance in program history for the Wolverines, signaling a sustained period of success under head coach Kim Barnes Arico.

The victory wasn’t without a significant challenge for N.C. State. The Wolfpack were hampered by the absence of All-ACC guard Zoe Brooks, who suffered an injury in their first-round win against Tennessee and was seen wearing a protective boot. Her absence clearly impacted the Wolfpack’s offensive flow and defensive capabilities.

N.C. State managed to retain the game close early, leading 13-12 after the first quarter. Olson, who finished the game with 27 points, was held scoreless in the opening frame, and teammate Syla Swords was limited to just two points. Though, the Wolverines responded emphatically in the second quarter, embarking on a 14-0 run fueled by forced turnovers. Swords, a guard from Sudbury, Ontario, ignited the run with seven quick points, helping Michigan build a lead that, even as challenged, ultimately proved insurmountable.

The first half ended with Michigan leading by just three points, a testament to N.C. State’s resilience despite Brooks’ injury. However, the third quarter proved to be the turning point. Michigan’s swarming and trapping defense forced 10 turnovers in the quarter alone, leading to easy transition baskets and a significant shift in momentum. Olson’s eruption in the third quarter, scoring her first points of the game with 5:59 remaining, was pivotal. She quickly added a three-point play and a pair of mid-range jumpers, extending Michigan’s lead to 49-35.

“We knew we needed to ramp up the pressure,” said Barnes Arico during a post-game interview. “Our girls responded beautifully. They understood the importance of forcing turnovers and capitalizing on those opportunities.”

Swords finished with 26 points for Michigan, rebounding from a quiet first quarter to turn into a key offensive force. Canadian Mila Holloway contributed 13 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, showcasing her all-around versatility. The Wolverines’ balanced attack proved too much for the Wolfpack to handle.

For N.C. State, Zamareya Jones led the way with 16 points, while Khamil Pierre added 15 points and nine rebounds. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome Michigan’s defensive intensity and Olson’s second-half brilliance. The Wolfpack struggled to protect the ball, committing a total of 22 turnovers, which translated into numerous scoring opportunities for the Wolverines.

The absence of Brooks also created challenges for N.C. State’s depth. Freshman Destiny Lunan, who replaced Brooks in the starting lineup, found herself in foul trouble early, picking up two fouls in the opening five minutes and ultimately fouling out midway through the fourth quarter with just six points. Her limited playing time further hampered the Wolfpack’s ability to compete.

Olson’s performance continues a remarkable season for the sophomore guard. Entering the NCAA Tournament, she led Michigan in both points (19.2) and rebounds (6.2) per game. Her ability to elevate her game in crucial moments, as demonstrated against N.C. State, makes her a key player for the Wolverines as they pursue a national championship. Last season, Olson set a new Michigan freshman scoring record with 553 points in 34 games and was named Co-Huge Ten Freshman of the Year.

Michigan’s victory underscores their status as a legitimate contender in the NCAA Tournament. Their defensive prowess, coupled with Olson’s scoring ability and the contributions of Swords and Holloway, makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the Fort Worth Regional. The Wolverines will undoubtedly be looking to continue their impressive run and make a deep push in the tournament.