In the Wolverines’ 67-61 victory, the junior guard scored 14 points on five-for-seven shooting, dished out three assists and recorded a whopping six steals. It was an absolute clinic that cemented Johnson’s role as one of Michigan’s key pieces going forward, especially with questions surrounding freshman guard Amy Dilk’s availability after she suffered a gruesome-looking injury in the first quarter after finishing a layup in traffic.
Women's Basketball
Heading into the final frame, the Michigan women’s basketball team trailed Nebraska, 49-48. Two tense minutes went by with neither side able to find the nylon and break the silence.
After notching two consecutive wins for the first time since November, the Michigan women’s basketball team (5-6 Big Ten, 14-9 overall) will host Nebraska (5-6, 10-12) Thursday night.
Currently sitting at 57 in the latest Ratings Percentage Index, and as just the fourth team out in ESPN.com’s Charlie Creme’s latest bracket projection, the Wolverines finds themselves in a position that just 10 days ago was inconceivable.
Even though things are trending upwards for Michigan, it does not mean in the slightest that the Wolverines are a shoo-in to make the Tournament.
Friday afternoon it was Akienreh Johnson and Kayla Robbins. On Sunday, it was Naz Hillmon. The common thread: two wins, two strong performances from the Wolverines’ bench.
After its game against Iowa was moved a day back due to weather, the Michigan women’s basketball team had less than 48 hours to prepare for Wisconsin.
That proved to be enough time, as the Wolverines (14-9 overall, 5-6 Big Ten) defeated the Badgers (11-12, 2-9), 76-70, Sunday afternoon in Madison despite a slow start.
Munger came out of the gate firing as she hit two 3-pointers in the first quarter. She cooled down after that — not registering another point until three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter — but still played with the fiery intensity that she brings to the table for every game and practice.
Nicole Munger picked up the loose ball and took off down the floor. The ankle injury Munger had suffered against Michigan State didn’t look to be ailing her now as she directed the fast break for the Wolverines. When a Hawkeye caught up, she dumped it off to Deja Church, who laid it in with ease.
A transition layup finished off by the sophomore guard perfectly characterized the first quarter of Michigan’s (13-9 overall, 4-6 Big Ten) 90-81 victory over Iowa (16-5, 7-3) Friday afternoon.
The polar vortex already canceled classes for Wednesday and Thursday. Now, it’s canceled tonight’s Michigan women’s basketball game against Iowa.
On Thursday night, the Michigan women’s basketball team will get its second shot at taking down No. 13 Iowa and star forward Megan Gustafson at Crisler Center after losing 75-61 just two weeks ago. This time, though, the Wolverines may be without senior guard and captain Nicole Munger.