For the first time in program history, the Michigan women’s basketball team defeated a top-five team. Michigan upset No. 5 Baylor on Sunday in overtime, 74-68, at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The Wolverines got some revenge in the process. They’d lost to Baylor in last season’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.
After Naz Hillmon fouled out late in regulation, Leigha Brown took over. The senior finished with a game-high 25 points and scored the basket, with 3:24 left in overtime, that put Michigan ahead for good. Maddie Nolan followed it with a 3-pointer, and the Wolverines made their free throws and got enough stops down the stretch.
Michigan had lost its previous 33 games against top-five teams.
Hillmon had 15 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out with 22 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Her battle inside against fellow All American NaLyssa Smith was competitive. Hillmon shot just 6-of-19 from the field, while Smith was 8-of-15 for 21 points, and added 14 rebounds. The WNBA draft lottery aired immediately after the game, and both players could be top-five picks.
With Baylor down one, Smith’s driving layup rolled off the rim with 15 seconds left. Michigan secured the rebound and made four free throws to clinch the victory. The Wolverines were 20-of-24 from the foul line.
Freshman Laila Phelia scored 12 points and hit a big 3 to break a tie in the fourth quarter.
It was Brown, however, who came up the biggest. Her drives, pull-up jumpers, and foul shooting (11-of-13) were very much needed against such a talented team, especially once Hillmon fouled out. Brown played 42 minutes. Danielle Rauch played 44.
Michigan (11-1) dominated the boards on both ends and took advantage, scoring 29 second-chance points to Baylor’s three. Michigan led by 10 midway through the third quarter but saw its lead shrink to…
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