Michigan has started the current season on a strong note, and the No. 23 Wolverines are gearing up to end 2024 on a positive high with an upcoming match against No. 4 USC this Sunday.
The Wolverines have secured victories in 10 of their first 12 games, with their only two defeats coming against then-No. 1 South Carolina and No. 9 Oklahoma. Over the next couple of weeks, the team’s true capabilities will be tested as they take on USC followed by a challenge against No. 1 UCLA just three days later. After these pivotal games, Michigan will return home to face No. 10 Ohio State a week later.
“If someone had told me we would find ourselves in this position, I definitely wouldn’t have believed it,” remarked head coach Kim Barnes Arico in a recent phone conversation. “Considering the challenges we face in our conference, it’s paramount that we remain optimistic and fully commit to our process during these crucial early games.”
This strong start marks one of the best seasons during Barnes Arico’s tenure at Michigan. The Wolverines have a promising freshman class, which includes Syla Swords, Mila Holloway, and Olivia Olson, all contributing significantly to the scoring effort. Swords and Olson are both averaging more than 15 points per game, while the trio is consistently putting up double-digit scores.
“We are fortunate to have three freshmen performing at such a high level. They do experience ups and downs, but not necessarily all at the same time,” said Barnes Arico. “Their transition to this level of competition has been commendable.”
Barnes Arico indicated that her team would have a few days of rest before reconvening on Thursday. They plan to travel to Los Angeles on Friday.
“It feels quite odd that we’re departing on the 27th for California to play two significant games,” she noted. “Our players are filled with excitement. When committing to a program like this, you aspire to compete at the highest level, which is part of why you choose Michigan and the Big Ten.”
USC, on the other hand, is entering this match on a high note after clinching a historic win against UConn with a score of 72-70 last Saturday.
“This victory holds great significance, particularly because of UConn’s esteemed program and what Geno Auriemma has contributed to our sport,” stated USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb. “It’s irrelevant to me that they haven’t secured a championship in recent years; their preparation and style of play elevate the competition level and contribute to our growth.”
In terms of upcoming games, women’s basketball teams generally have a quiet week ahead, with no matches scheduled from Monday to Friday. The only ranked team in action on Saturday is No. 16 Kentucky, followed by 17 teams from the Top 25 competing on Sunday, as leagues like the Big Ten, Big East, and ACC kick off.
The NCAA’s latest NET rankings, which serve as a key tool for the selection committee during the NCAA Tournament, have introduced a new No. 1 this week. Texas has claimed the top position, overtaking South Carolina. UCLA, ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, stands at third, while UConn and Kansas State come in at fourth and fifth, respectively. Notably, the Huskies are the only team in the Top 25 that does not originate from one of the Power Four conferences, with Harvard next at 32.
