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Michigan women’s basketball make program history with 28th win of 2025-26
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- Michigan women’s basketball make program history with 28th win of 2025-26
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Michigan women's basketball tied a program record with a 71-52 Sweet 16 win over Louisville on Saturday to reach the Elite Eight for the second time in the team's history.
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The win was the 28th of the season for the Wolverines , tying the 2016-17 mark (28-9) , and setting a school record for single-season winning percentage. It was also the first time in eight seasons that a team overcame a 10-point deficit to win by 15 or more in the Sweet 16 or later.
The No. 2-seeded Wolverines (28-6) got off to a nightmare start, going six minutes without scoring and falling behind 8-0. The Cardinals stretched the lead to 11 points midway through the second quarter, but Michigan responded with a 16-0 run to take its first lead at 28-25. The Wolverines ultimately outscored Louisville 49-16 in a game-changing run from mid-second quarter to mid-fourth.
Sophomores Olivia Olson and Syla Swords led the offense, scoring 19 and 16 points, respectively, and combining to shoot 9-of-16 in the second half. Te'Yala Delfosse finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, including a crucial three-point play during the second-quarter spree. Delfosse also contributed a game-high +31 plus-minus rating.
Through consistent pressure and smart rotations, Michigan held the Cardinals to just 35% shooting and an anemic 21% from beyond the arc, turning defense into a weapon. Louisville (29-8) had only one player in double figures, with Elif Istanbulluoglu scoring 18 points, while their other primary scorers combined to shoot 8-of-34.
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The Wolverines controlled the glass and generated second-chance opportunities, highlighted by Quarles Daniels' seven offensive rebounds, which helped Michigan produce 15 second-chance points. The Wolverines also took advantage in the paint and transition, building a 57-40 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Up next, Michigan will face No. 1 seed Texas on Monday night with a Final Four berth at stake.
Related: Purdue basketball's Braden Smith adds to assist record with more history in final game
Related: Michigan men's, women's basketball teams reach Elite 8 with historic dominance
