The Michigan women’s basketball program has reached its highest ranking in history, surging to No. 2 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll released on Monday, Nov. 9. The Wolverines moved up three spots following their stunning 77-66 upset of 12-time national champion UConn in the season opener on Nov. 5. This historic climb places Michigan directly behind South Carolina, which retained the No. 1 seed, while USC sits at No. 3, UConn dropped to No. 4, and Duke holds the No. 5 spot.
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The victory at Crisler Center marked the first top-five matchup in the venue’s recent history and showcased the depth of the Wolverines’ roster. Junior guard Te’Yala Delfosse delivered a career-best performance, leading the team with 22 points and a team-high nine rebounds. She was supported by Olivia Olson, who contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and four steals. Michigan’s balanced attack was evident as six players scored in double figures, dismantling the Huskies’ defense and securing the program’s first win of the 2024-25 season.
Head coach Kim Barnes Arico, entering her 15th season with the Wolverines, emphasized the significance of defeating the perennial powerhouse. “It certainly feels like a statement win,” Arico said. “For the past however long it’s been, 35, 40 years, they’ve been the team to beat. They’ve been the best of the best. They have the No. 1 player in the nation on their team, so if you can get a victory against an incredible, incredible program like that, I think that’s definitely a statement win.” The win not only boosted morale but also solidified Michigan’s status as a legitimate contender for a national title in the current AP standings.
Source: Yahoo Sports
