Michigan women advance to first Sweet Sixteen in program history after upset win over Tennessee

The Michigan Wolverines women’s basketball team is Sweet Sixteen bound for the first time in program history. The sixth-seeded group grabbed an upset victory over No. 3 seed Tennessee on Tuesday evening by a score of 70-55 in a Round of 32 game in San Antonio.

Michigan (16-5) was led by 23 points from Leigha Brown, who was 6-of-14 from the floor and 11-for-11 from the free throw line.

The Michigan women have been to the second round of the tournament five times in program history, but have been unable to get over the hump, losing in double digits in each appearance. Head coach Kim Barnes Arico and her squad continued to build on an incredible season that has established Michigan and one of the best combined men’s and women’s programs in America.

Michigan took a 28-19 lead into the locker room and never looked back, opening the final 20 minutes of play with a 12-2 run en route to a blowout victory. Junior Naz Hillmon, who was this season’s Big Ten Player of the Year, continued her strong season with 19 points and 15 rebounds in the effort.

The Wolverines will now take on the winner of the game between No. 2 seed Baylor and No. 7 seed Virginia Tech. That game will take place either Saturday or Sunday.