The No. 8-ranked University of Michigan women’s basketball team is set to travel to New Jersey for a highly anticipated matchup against No. 5 Vanderbilt. This contest will take place in the Prudential Center on Monday, January 19, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans can watch the game live on Fox.
Game Preview: Michigan vs. Vanderbilt
Michigan holds a 15-2 record this season, which matches the best start in the program’s history through 17 games. The Wolverines had a similar record during the 2021-22 season, where they finished with a 20-2 mark. Duke’s performance so far suggests they are a formidable opponent, boasting a fifth-ranked national scoring average of 88.6 points per game, while Vanderbilt ranks ninth with 86.9 points per game.
Coaching Milestone
Michigan’s J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Kim Barnes Arico, achieved a career milestone with her 299th victory after defeating No. 25 Illinois 85-69 on January 15. A win against Vanderbilt would mark her 300th career win, making her the first coach in Michigan basketball history, for both men’s and women’s teams, to reach this significant milestone.
Key Players to Watch
- Olivia Olson: Leading scorer for Michigan, Olson has consistently delivered, averaging 18.1 points per game. She has reached double figures in every game this season and is currently ranked eighth in the Big Ten.
- Syla Swords: Known for her shooting skills, Swords has demonstrated her ability with multiple three-pointers in several games. She recently recorded her 100th career triple.
- Te’Yala Delfosse: In her second season, Delfosse has made significant contributions, including two double-doubles this season. She averages 11.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Recent Performance and Rankings
Michigan is currently ranked sixth in the NCAA NET rankings and has achieved three Quad 1 wins this season. These include victories against Notre Dame and Minnesota. The Wolverines are also 2-1 against ranked teams, enhancing their reputation as a competitive squad this season.
This game against Vanderbilt is particularly significant as it marks the second matchup against a top-five team this season, following a close loss to No. 1 UConn earlier in the year. Michigan aims to capitalize on its scoring prowess and secure a strong performance to propel them further into the season.
