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Michigan women’s basketball: Wolverines best No. 24 Illinois, improve to 18-5

The Wolverines are now 18-5 on the season (8-4 Big Ten).

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Photo: @Adiel_Photography (Instagram)

On Thursday, the 18th/19th-ranked Michigan women’s basketball team (18-5, 8-4 Big Ten) put its 7-3 home record to the test against UR/No. 24 the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-6, 7-5 Big Ten) at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MI. The Wolverines have now won two-straight heading into their matchup at Michigan State (11-10, 3-7 Big Ten) this weekend.

Michigan came into tonight’s matchup ranked 18th in the AP poll, and 19th in the coaches poll; meanwhile, Illinois entered tonight unranked in the AP poll and ranked 24th in the coaches poll. Both teams were ranked in both majors polls a week ago, though costly losses over the past week have knocked both down a few spots.

Wolverines earn quality victory vs. Illinois

Heading into tonight’s contest, Michigan and Illinois appeared to be a relatively even matchup. The game appeared to come down to Michigan’s defense — which gave 2.2 points-per-game fewer than the Illini — against Illinois’ offense — which scored 2.0 points-per-game more than the Wolverines did per game.

The strong point of Illinois’ offense is its 3-point shooting — the Illini entered tonight’s game shooting nearly 39 percent from three (compared to the Wolverines’ 35.2 percent). That being said, Michigan women’s basketball came into tonight’s matchup shooting better from the floor and the charity stripe — two significant factors in the Wolverines’ win.

This year, the magic number for the Michigan women’s basketball team is 60; the Wolverines are now 12-0 when they hold their opponents to 60 or less throughout the game. Tonight, Michigan did just that en route to an impressive 17-point victory.

Michigan’s win tonight puts the Wolverines one step closer to appearing in their 50th-consecutive AP poll next week — the 8th-longest active streak in college basketball. If Michigan women’s basketball can defeat the Spartans on Sunday, it all but guarantees that the Wolverines’ streak will remain in-tact.

Michigan women’s basketball plays tremendous first half

First quarter

After winning the game’s opening tip, Michigan and Illinois traded defensive blows before the Wolverines broke the 0-0 tied behind a short jumper from 5th-year guard Leigha Brown. 5th-year forward Emily Kiser buried a pair of free throws to give the Wolverines a 4-0 lead, which quickly became a 6-0 lead behind a layup from junior forward Cameron Williams.

Michigan’s lead grew to 10-2 behind another beautiful basket from Cameron Williams but was cut to just three points after Illinois scored on back-to-back possessions. The Fighting Illini continued their scoring run with a pair of free throws from junior guard Genesis Bryant, who brought the game within one point. Leigha Brown extended Michigan’s lead to three points a few possessions later with a short jump shot.

Once again, Michigan women’s basketball and the Fighting Illini traded defensive blows as the quarter ended. After one, the Wolverines held a 14-9 lead over Illinois.

Second quarter

Michigan women’s basketball opened up the second quarter of action by trading more defensive blows with the Illini. After a few possessions, Michigan sophomore guard Jordan Hobbs buried a turnaround jumper that pushed Michigan’s lead to 16-9. After forcing a pair of turnovers, the Wolverines extended their lead to 18-9 before Illinois got back on the board, making it an 18-11 ballgame.

An “and-1” play by Leigha Brown again gave Michigan women’s basketball even more momentum — Brown sunk her free throw to make it a 10-point ballgame before an Illinois 3-pointer brought the game within seven.

Soon after the Fighting Illini nailed a 3-ball, the Wolverines responded with one of their own from senior guard Maddie Nolan. Nolan’s 3-pointer gave Michigan women’s basketball a 26-14 lead and forced an Illinois timeout. Back-to-back Michigan baskets out of the timeout pushed the Wolverines’ lead to 31-14 before junior guard/forward Elise Stuck earned Michigan three more points with a basket and a free throw of her own.

With four minutes remaining in half, Michigan’s lead was up to 22 points after a layup by Emily Kiser. A Maddie Nolan 3-pointer got Crisler on its feet as the Wolverines’ lead grew to 39-16 before the half. At the end of the half, the Crisler Center jumbotron read: Michigan 41, Illinois 22.

Michigan women’s basketball is now 18-0 on the season when leading at halftime, an impressive statistic to say the least.

Wolverines finish the job in the second half

Third quarter

Michigan women’s basketball opened up the second half with a quick defensive stop and an ensuing basket — the Wolverines’ lead was extended to 21 before an Illinois foul gave Michigan the ball back. Michigan’s 41-22 halftime lead quickly fell to a 43-28 lead — nothing that had fans anxious; however, something that the Wolverines needed to work out.

As the Wolverines’ offense stuttered to start the half, Illinois climbed within 13 points (45-32) before Emily Kiser got the Wolverines back on the board. The Illini responded to keep the game within 13 before a media timeout sent both teams to their respective benches. An Illinois 3-pointer fresh out of the break brought Michigan’s lead within ten before Emily Kiser scored her 8th point, giving the Wolverines a 12-point lead.

A pair of baskets from sophomore guard Ari Wiggins gave the Wolverines a 55-41 lead with only one quarter remaining.

Fourth quarter

To open the game’s final quarter of play, Michigan women’s basketball continued to see its offense stutter. The Wolverines could not manage to score after a minute of play, though the Illini did and cut Michigan’s lead back down to 12. The Fighting Illini did just that — fight their way back into the contest. Michigan’s offense seemed to fall apart in the game’s later stages as Illinois attempted to mount a comeback.

With just five minutes remaining, Illinois had clawed its way back into the game yet still trailed 59-51. A pair of free throws by Leigha Brown extended Michigan’s lead back to 10, though it was cut back down to eight by the Fighting Illini on the ensuing possession. After continuing to trade shots, the Wolverines managed to pull ahead by 11 behind free throws by Leigha Brown and freshman forward Chyra Evans.

Michigan women’s basketball was tested from the free throw line as the game wound. Michigan’s shooting from the charity stripe was good enough to get the Wolverines’ double-digit lead back and close out the game with a victory.

When the clock hit all zeros, Michigan took home a 74-57 win to kick off February.

Michigan downs Illinois behind Leigha Brown’s massive performance

A week after scoring a career-high 31 points against No. 6 Indiana, Leigha Brown scored an impressive 27 points in Michigan’s victory over Illinois. The Wolverines also saw great performances from Maddie Nolan and Emily Kiser, who both finished with 10 points all said and done.

Michigan now must hit the road to face Michigan State at the Breslin Center on Sunday at 3 pm (EST). The game will be broadcast on BTN+.

Michigan women’s basketball is now 18-5 on the season, though it still sits a few games back in the Big Ten title picture. Still, the Wolverines are on the right track to a solid NCAA tournament seed and more later this year. Over the past two seasons, head coach Kim Barnes-Arico and Co. brought the Wolverines’ program to new heights with a Sweet 16 run in 2021, and an Elite 8 finish a year ago.

Next month, KBA and the Wolverines will look to break through Michigan’s new glass ceiling and hang even more prestigious banners from the rafters of the Crisler Center.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebookand Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com or DM him on Twitter, @CJsWrld_.

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BREAKING: Juwan Howard has surgery, Martelli to assume interim coach role

BREAKING: Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard has successful surgery. Phil Martelli to take over as interim head coach.

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Juwan Howard, Michigan basketball, Phil Martelli
Mar 5, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard in the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Today, news broke that Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard, who is entering his fourth season at the helm in Ann Arbor, had open heart surgery over the offseason. With Howard recovering, long-time assistant Phil Martelli is slated to be the Wolverines’ interim head coach to open the 2023-24 season, which is fast approaching.

Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard has heart surgery, Phil Martelli to serve as interim coach

The 2023-24 Michigan basketball season will look a little different later this year, as Phil Martelli will be stepping in as interim head coach. Today, it was confirmed that Juwan Howard — the team’s full-time head coach — is recovering from heart surgery right now.

“I feel so grateful and blessed that this surgery was performed at University of Michigan Health,” said Howard in a statement. “My wife, Jenine, and our family appreciate the world-class care that has been provided to us. Dr. (Kim) Eagle, Dr. (Himanshu) Patel, Dr. (Stanley) Chetcuti, and all of the staff at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center are so talented and performed like champions throughout this process. I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us.”

Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel added the following:

“We are extremely grateful Juwan’s proactive procedure was a success and that he is resting comfortably,” said Warde Manuel. “We will continue to support Juwan, Jenine and his family as well as the program throughout his absence. All of us at the athletic department have Juwan in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to Juwan’s return when he feels that he has fully recovered.”

It is expected that Juwan Howard will return to the court as head coach for Michigan basketball later in the season.



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Elite Michigan basketball target will be in Ann Arbor tomorrow

Tomorrow, an elite Michigan basketball target (2024 recruiting class) will be in Ann Arbor for his first-ever visit with the Wolverines.

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Michigan basketball, recruiting, No. 1 recruit in Virginia, Juwan Howard
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Juwan Howard and his Wolverines will be hosting Patrick Ngongba, an elite Michigan basketball target in the 2024 recruiting class, shortly. Ngongba, the No. 1 recruit in Virginia, has the Maize and Blue among his finalists and will be making the trip to Ann Arbor tomorrow (September 8th).

Elite Michigan basketball target about to be in Ann Arbor

While the 2023 Michigan Wolverines football season is now in full swing and has the attention of the entire fanbase, it’s worth noting that Juwan Howard and the Maize and Blue are hot on the recruiting trail in the 2024 recruiting class and beyond. After a tough 2022-23 season, Howard needs some good news to right the ship in Ann Arbor — tomorrow, he will have a massive opportunity to get one step closer to landing an elite recruit.

Patrick Ngongba is the No. 1 recruit in Virginia (for the 2024 recruiting class) and is an elite Michigan basketball target. The 6-foot-10, 235-pound center is an ESPN five-star prospect and is ranked among the top 30 players in the country in the composite rankings. So far, Juwan Howard has landed two prospects in the 2024 cycle, neither of which is rated anywhere close to Patrick Ngongba in the composite standings.

Can Juwan Howard land Patrick Ngongba in the 2024 recruiting class?

For the time being, Michigan basketball appears to be on the outside looking in ahead of Patrick Ngongba’s visit tomorrow — Duke and Kansas State currently have the best odds of landing him, per the Recruiting Prediction Machine. That said, Juwan Howard is a solid recruiter, and a visit to Ann Arbor, MI, ahead of a football game weekend could be a difference-maker for the Wolverines down the stretch.

According to the On3 visit tracker, tomorrow will be the first time that Michigan basketball gets the No. 1 recruit in Virginia on campus. This further showcases how important the visit will be for the Wolverines if Juwan Howard expects to have a shot against some of the other major programs vying for his commitment.

***If you missed it, Tom Brady is searching for the biggest Michigan fan! We have a great series going right now as a part of our Fan Flex challenge series — below is the link to our latest challenge! Among this week’s prizes includes an invite to the Blue by Ninety tailgate and a Blue by Ninety beer (for those of age) See the link below for more!

LINK: https://autograph.outgrow.us/blueby90-3



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Michigan basketball recruiting will host No. 1 point guard in September

Michigan basketball recruiting will host the No. 1 point guard of the 2025 class for an official visit.

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Michigan basketball recruiting No. 1 point guard
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan basketball is coming off of its most disappointing season of the Juwan Howard era. After missing the national tournament for the first time since taking over as head coach, Howard is already looking ahead to the future to right the ship for the Wolverines. Recently, Joe Tipton of On3 Sports announced that Darius Acuff — currently the No. 1 point guard of the 2025 recruiting class — will visit Ann Arbor in early September.

Michigan basketball recruiting will host official visit for No. 1 point guard Darius Acuff

Michigan basketball has a huge opportunity to lock down an elite prospect this September. Acuff’s official Ann Arbor visit will reportedly last from September 1-3.

Acuff is among the nation’s best and currently holds the No. 1 On3 industry ranking among point guards in the 2025 class. Across all positions, the six-foot point guard is the No. 9 industry-ranked player in the country.

Acuff is originally from Detroit, MI and played basketball at Cass Tech before recently transferring to IMG Academy in Florida. Michigan basketball currently holds the lead on Acuff’s recruitment on On3’s recruiting prediction machine with a 45.4 percent chance. Also in contention for Acuff’s recruitment are Kentucky, Michigan State, and Ohio State.

While Michigan basketball lost lots of talent this offseason, the recruiting game has been heating up as well. Landing a top-tier talent like Acuff could be just what the Wolverines need to build their recruiting momentum.



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and InstagramYou can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. 

Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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