INDIANAPOLIS – In an impressive display, Jordan Hobbs put up 23 points, leading Michigan to a decisive 98-71 win over No. 15 Maryland in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday. Freshmen Syla Swords and Olivia Olson supported with 22 and 20 points respectively.
The fifth-seed Wolverines are set to clash with league titlist and second-ranked USC in the semifinals on Saturday, a rematch from their initial meeting where the Trojans secured a 78-58 victory on December 29.
Hobbs and Olson played major roles in a remarkable 25-0 run, catapulting Michigan to an early 31-6 advantage. Despite Maryland’s efforts to close the lead with a 16-0 run, Michigan responded firmly, outscoring them 57-34 in the second half. The Wolverines showcased shooting prowess by hitting 61% from the field and scoring the most points on Maryland this season with 12 out of 23 successful 3-pointers.
Sarah Te-Biasu kept Maryland competitive, leading her team with 25 points. Christina Dalce contributed an additional 19 points for the fourth-seeded Terrapins (23-7), who won their first encounter 85-77. Facing a formidable Michigan defense, Maryland endured a challenging 8.5-minute stretch missing 10 shots and turning over the ball eight times. However, they rallied back from a 25-point deficit to trail by only one, largely owing to Te-Biasu’s 16 points.
Michigan held a narrow 41-37 advantage at halftime and extended their dominance in the second half with an 11-0 surge, leading to a commanding 69-49 cushion entering the fourth quarter. Despite Maryland’s attempts to rally, including a sequence where they hit 13 out of 16 shots, they were ultimately unable to match Michigan’s pace. The Terrapins ended the game shooting 48% from the field, achieving just four 3-pointers.
Home Wolverines Trio Scores 65, Defeats No. 15 Maryland 98-71