The Maize and Blue: Exploring the Legacy of University of Michigan Athletics

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The No. 23-ranked women’s basketball squad from the University of Michigan competed valiantly against No. 4-ranked USC before succumbing, 78-58, on Sunday evening (Dec. 29) at the Galen Center. Michigan netted the initial five points after halftime, taking an early advantage in the third quarter, but the Trojans reclaimed the lead midway through the quarter and maintained it for the remainder of the game.

The Wolverines were led by three players scoring in double digits: Jordan Hobbs (19), Greta Kampschroeder (14), and Olivia Olson (11). Michigan outperformed USC on the boards, finishing with a 38-37 rebounding edge, but USC converted 20 free throw attempts out of 23, while Michigan managed only nine successful attempts from 14 tries. Both teams faced challenges in protecting the ball, with the Wolverines recording 23 turnovers and USC committing 18.

Despite a slow start, two three-pointers from Kampschroeder lifted Michigan ahead 8-5 with just under five minutes left in the first quarter. USC concluded the first quarter with an 8-0 surge, taking a 17-11 advantage after the initial 10 minutes of action.

The run swelled to 10-0 when USC scored first in the second quarter until a couple of free throws from Mila Holloway halted the streak with just over nine minutes left in the second quarter.

Hobbs connected on three consecutive three-pointers, narrowing the gap to five points at 29-24 in the middle of the second quarter. Michigan kept pace with the Trojans, closing within three on Hobbs’ fourth three-pointer of the period at the 1:47 mark.

A pair of free throws from Brooke Quarles Daniels with 57 seconds remaining in the first half maintained USC’s narrow lead at two points, 33-31. USC added one more free throw as the half came to a close, holding a 34-31 advantage at the locker room break.

The Wolverines opened the third quarter with the first five points, with back-to-back baskets from Olson and a free throw from Hobbs pushing the score to 36-34, prompting a USC timeout with just under eight minutes left in the third.

USC countered with a 9-2 run, regaining a 43-38 advantage at the 5:01 mark. Although Quarles Daniels converted a three-point play to bring Michigan within two moments later, USC capitalized by making 13 out of 14 free throws for the third period, heading into the fourth quarter leading 57-47.

The Trojans began the fourth quarter with a 12-2 run, effectively sealing the game for Michigan, who competed without their second-leading scorer, Syla Swords, in this matchup.

Michigan will wrap up its western trip on Wednesday (Jan. 1), facing No. 1 UCLA in Westwood at 2 p.m. PT.