SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Jordan Hobbs delivered an impressive performance, scoring 28 points as the sixth-ranked Michigan Wolverines managed to edge out 11th-seeded Iowa State with an 80-74 victory on Friday. With this win, Michigan advances to the NCAA Tournament’s second round.
The Wolverines, holding a 23-10 record, are set to play again on Sunday in South Bend, Indiana. They will face the winner of the Notre Dame versus Stephen F. Austin clash, eyeing a spot in the Sweet 16.
Reflecting on the tightly contested matchup, Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico remarked, “I thought that was an unbelievable game. Just back and forth, back and forth. Had to match up with one of the best post players in the country being undersized. I thought both Greta Kampschroeder and Jordan Hobbs did a phenomenal job.”
Olivia Olson contributed significantly with 16 points, shaking off early shooting struggles to connect on several key shots. Joining the scoring effort, Greta Kampschroeder and Mila Holloway added 13 and 12 points respectively for the victorious Wolverines.
Iowa State’s Audi Crooks matched Hobbs’ score with 28 points of her own, alongside a contribution of 12 points from Arianna Jackson.
Michigan managed a remarkable comeback from being nine points behind with just under four minutes left in the third quarter. At one juncture, they were shooting a worrying 31 percent, but a strong finish saw them make 12 of their final 16 shots, turning the tide to secure a 75-69 lead late in the game.
According to Coach Barnes Arico, “We were taking quick, not great shots that we could have gotten at any point during the shot clock. We just needed to settle.”
Iowa State, on the other hand, took charge in the second quarter with a formidable 16-3 run, gaining a 37-32 halftime lead after overcoming a six-point deficit from the first quarter. The Cyclones were efficient, shooting a solid 10-of-15 in the second phase after a shaky start.
Despite Crooks adding eight points in the fourth quarter, Michigan’s defense held firm in the critical moments. “Obviously we’re not going to outmuscle her,” remarked Kampschroeder, highlighting the strategic focus needed to counter Crooks’ physical prowess.
Iowa State’s coach Bill Fennelly acknowledged Michigan’s fast-paced offense and their efficiency at the free-throw line as decisive factors in the game’s outcome. “They’re very skilled. Interchangeable parts,” Fennelly commented. “Obviously it put us in — puts our defense at stress…And they had a really hard time guarding us. And that’s why the game was so close.”
Despite facing a double-digit deficit in the third quarter, Kampschroeder said the Wolverines remained confident, drawing on past experiences against strong competition. “The Big Ten is an awesome conference to be in to kind of set you up for this,” she said, highlighting the learning curve during the season.
Crooks relished the intense battle with Michigan, stating, “It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed myself, despite the results. But you put it simply — it’s a game of runs. Sometimes it ends in your favor, sometimes it doesn’t.”