Women’s College Hoops: Michigan v. UCONN

Michigan and UConn meet at Mohegan Sun Arena in what amounts to a semi-home environment for the Huskies, and it’s one of the best early-season tests we’ll get on either side. Michigan has already proven itself as a legitimate top-10 team through just four games, punctuated by a 39-point demolition of Notre Dame. The Wolverines play wide, fast, and skilled—waves of guards, constant spacing, and a three-point attack that’s clearing 40% in the early season. Their sophomore trio has been excellent: Olivia Olson (17+ ppg on 47% from deep), Mila Holloway (14+ ppg), and Syla Swords (double figures again after a 16-ppg freshman year). Michigan is clean, well-coached, and explosive.

And still — this is UConn, and this UConn team is historically good. Geno Auriemma called Michigan “maybe the most talented team we’ll see all season,” and yet the Huskies are laying 14.5. That tells you everything. Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd are the two best all-around players in the country, and their leadership sets the tone. UConn overwhelms teams with maturity, structure, and relentless two-way pressure.

The Huskies will have a clunker here or there — every great team does — but more often they overperform expectations because their ceiling is so high and their depth so complete. Michigan is one of the few teams good enough to test them, but on a neutral-in-name only floor, UConn still sits double digits ahead of the field.

Pick:
Michigan 63
UCONN 79