Indiana women’s basketball defeats Michigan 68-52

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 16: Indiana Hoosiers forward Mackenzie Holmes (54) blocks Michigan Wolverines guard Maddie Nolan (3) during an NCAA women’s basketball game on February 16, 2023 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana. The Hoosiers beat the Wolverines 68-52. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)

#2 Indiana extends winning streak to 13 with 68-52 win over #12 Michigan

by Skip Daley

Just shy of 7500 were on hand at Assembly Hall on Thursday night to cheer on the #2 Indiana Hoosiers as they hosted #12 Michigan. In a very physical and emotional match-up, Indiana would not disappoint Hoosier Nation, and stay undefeated at home, winning 68-52.

With the victory, the Hoosiers remain in first place among the Big Ten with a record of 25-1, 15-1 against the conference, advancing their winning streak to 13 games. Michigan falls to 20-6, 10-5 (Big Ten).

“Great win and great crowd once again in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. We are so grateful that our fans continue to show up and support us,” said Indiana Head Coach Teri Moren after the game during the press conference. “Other than the fourth quarter, where we struggled shooting a little bit, other than that, I thought it was a solid night for this group.”

And while there were some fourth quarter struggles, the Hoosiers were on fire throughout the first half, shooting 56% and hitting 10 of 12 from the free-throw line. Michigan out-rebounded IU in the first 20 minutes of play, but Indiana forced 12 turnovers which produced 13 of their halftime points. Indiana All-American Senior Forward Mackenzie Holmes led all at the midway point with 16 points and 4 rebounds.

This was a true battle with very physical play, and the determination of Michigan was much greater than their point total, as the Hoosiers took off to a 42-28 halftime lead.

The third period was more Hoosier electricity with Junior Guard Chloe Moore-McNeil sinking a pair of triples and Freshman Forward Lilly Meister scoring 5, bringing her total up to 7, off of the bench.

In the 4th quarter Indiana lagged on offense and allowed Michigan to take an 11-0 run. That drought was ended with about 3 and a half minutes left to play, by an amazing pass from Berger to Holmes in the low post for a basket and the foul. With that 3-point play, IU extended their lead to 16, and the Hoosier defense came back to life in the final 3 minutes of the game.

The Hoosiers would finish strong and win decisively over the #12 ranked team in the country, the 10th ranked or receiving votes team they have defeated this season; the most in all of NCAA Women’s Basketball this season.

Indiana shot 43% from the field with Holmes leading all with 27 points, adding 5 rebounds. Moore-McNeil scored 13, with 4 boards and 3 assists. Yarden Garzon contributed 7 points and 8 rebounds, while Grace Berger had 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Michigan drops to 10-5 in the conference and 20-6 overall and was led by Noblesville, Indiana native Emily Kiser, with 12 points; Leigha Brown from Auburn, Indiana and Dekalb HS, had 9 points; Maddie Nolan from Zionsville, Indiana finished with 8 points; Kate Clarke from Carmel, Indiana had 3 points; Alyssa Crockett from Westfield, Indiana scored 2 points; and, Ari Wiggins from Heritage Christian HS in Indianapolis had 1 point. The Six Indiana players on the Michigan roster scored 35 of the 62 points for the Wolverines.

Next up, Indiana will host Purdue (17-7 / 8-6) on Sunday, February 19th, with a Noon tip-off.