ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In the Big Ten opener for both teams on Sunday, Olivia Olson led the charge with 18 points, while Jordan Hobbs contributed 16, helping the No. 23-ranked Michigan Wolverines secure a 60-54 victory over Northwestern.
Olson kickstarted the game with eight consecutive points, and alongside Syla Swords, who added a layup, they propelled Michigan on a 10-0 scoring spree. This effort allowed Michigan to overcome an early four-point deficit, taking a 50-44 lead with six minutes left in the final quarter.
Northwestern responded with a strong effort, sinking three consecutive three-pointers, taking a brief 53-52 lead with just over three minutes on the clock. However, Hobbs quickly turned the tide with a layup followed by a jumper, putting Michigan back ahead at 56-53. She then scored another layup nearly two minutes left, extending the lead to 58-54. After both teams struggled to find the basket, Michigan’s Mila Holloway, who finished the game with 10 points, sealed the win with a turnaround jumper with just 26 seconds remaining.
The Wolverines dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 20-10.
For Northwestern (4-4), Kyla Jones was the standout scorer with 14 points, while Caileigh Walsh added 10. Taylor Williams made her presence felt on the boards with 11 rebounds.
With this win, Michigan improves its record to 8-1, marking their eighth consecutive victory, a feat not achieved since the opening of the 2022-23 season when they won nine straight. Additionally, they have now claimed five straight wins in conference openers.
