Hoop Statistics during the inconsistent Michigan Wolverines’ season

A generation-long feud is reignited on Wednesday night. There are enough chapters in Ohio State against Michigan to fill several novels. Now, the Ohio State women’s basketball team hopes to start a fresh, trophy-filled chapter when it hosts the Michigan Wolverines in Columbus.

With a victory, the Scarlet and Gray add a 16th Big Ten regular season championship to their collection of awards. The only club to defeat the Buckeyes in the Big Ten season, though, is Michigan.

Land-Grant Holy Land contacted Olivia Janik from He to inquire about how Michigan was performing, players to keep an eye on, and how they could defeat Ohio State.

Land-Grant Holy Land: After winning its first two conference games against Illinois and Ohio State, Michigan is.500 this season. However, they have lost eight of their previous 14 games. What do you think is preventing the Wolverines from winning in 2024?

HHS: The players I’m looking to in this game are guards Lauren Hansen and Elissa Brett, both scored double-digits in the first game against Ohio State and will need to do so again on Wednesday if Michigan wants to stay competitive. I’d also like to see a better game from forward Chrya Evans, who didn’t score against the Buckeyes in their last matchup. Evans averages 7.9 points a game and will be key to getting the Wolverines points in the paint.

LGHL: Michigan is a far better rebounding team than the Buckeyes (comparing a +5.7 to -.9 rebounding margin). How are they so effective at grabbing missed shots?

HHS: Less than two rebounds separate Michigan and Ohio State’s average rebounds per game. In fact, Ohio State is actually a better defensive rebounding team than Michigan this season. The Wolverines do have the advantage when it comes to offensive rebounding, averaging 12.8 per game.

LGHL: How can Michigan beat Ohio State on Wednesday?

HHS: Michigan will need to replicate its success from December, limit fouls and turnovers and have a strong game from Phelia. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, the Buckeyes have only gotten better since that loss and will know what to do to better attack Michigan’s defense. To win this time, the Wolverines should focus on grabbing as many of their missed shots as possible and drawing fouls to get to the free throw line early and often.