The No. 9 Michigan women’s basketball team left no doubt in its trip to State College, Penn. The Wolverines took charge early, rattling off a 17-0 run early in the first quarter to take a commanding lead.
Michigan’s dominant start expanded into a high-scoring first half, leading by 27 at halftime. The Wolverines (13-2, 4-1 Big Ten) handled the Nittany Lions (7-9, 0-5) from there, coasting to a 105-65 win.
Michigan’s stout defense and strong ball pressure forced eight Nittany Lions turnovers in the first quarter, including four during the 17-0 run that virtually determined the outcome in a commanding 5:55 stretch. Each steal or defensive rebound both kick-started the Wolverines’ transition offense and hamstrung Penn State’s. Michigan attacked the paint, slicing through Penn State’s defense and either finishing at the rim or earning opportunities at the free-throw line.
In the Wolverines’ last three games, they faced a higher tier of opponents than a majority of their nonconference schedule. In that stretch, they went 2-1, and the wins were by a combined 15 points, which nearly equaled the constantly-expanding margin Michigan forged in the first quarter, leading 25-11 at the end of the frame.
Without needing to employ their press, the Wolverines suffocated the Nittany Lions’ ballhandlers, denying entry passes to center Gracie Merkle — Penn State’s main offensive threat. Michigan forced the Nittany Lions to find perimeter success, but their 2-of-9 shooting beyond the arc in the first half didn’t do much to close the gap.
The Nittany Lions found moderate success in the second quarter, finding Merkle for 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting, all in the paint. With a size advantage inside, the 6-foot-6 center served as the Nittany Lions’ primary offensive fuel source, occasionally fanning the fire with a few efficient interior post moves and finishes but never truly igniting Penn State’s scoring. Despite Merkle’s efforts, the Nittany Lions still trailed 58-31 at halftime, as the Wolverines’ balanced attack — highlighted by sophomore wing Te’Yala Delfosse — steadily expanded their lead.
At halftime, Michigan’s 58-31 lead and high first-half score nearly eclipsed the program record of 66 points scored in the first half set against Binghamton earlier this season. With such a large cushion, the Wolverines could have eased off the gas and coasted to an easy victory. Instead, Michigan accelerated, tightening the clamps on defense and extending its lead by 10.
The Wolverines shut down Merkle’s production in a similar fashion, preventing post entry passes and denying her shots. Without the ball, Merkle couldn’t do any damage.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s offense kept humming, finding production up and down the bench in the third quarter. Utilizing six contributors, including six points from senior forward Alyssa Crockett, the Wolverines shot 42% from the floor and a perfect 3-for-3 from the charity stripe. Michigan remedied recent free-throw concerns by going 82% on 30 attempts total — and led 81-44 at the end of the third quarter, their lead punctuated by a stepback 3-pointer from sophomore guard Olivia Olson.
Michigan finished with five scorers in double figures, eclipsing the century mark for the first time since Dec. 7 in a win against Purdue. Freshman guard McKenzie Mathurin added 11 points in the fourth quarter alone, splashing down three 3-pointers to extend the Wolverines’ lead and set a career high with 15 points. Senior guard Brooke Quarles Daniels’ 13-point, 12-rebound double-double marked her season high in rebounds.
In State College, Michigan hit the reset button, rectifying recent issues and leaving no doubt in a dominant, full-team performance.
