Michigan gets a rematch with Louisville for a spot in the Final Four

I wrote the title and went to bed. It still feels surreal. The Michigan women’s basketball program was broken in pieces for a very long time. Current UW-Green Bay Head Coach Kevin Borseth along with current South Dakota Head Coach Dawn Plitzuweit came to Ann Arbor and got the program headed in the right direction. They were able to get Michigan to the tournament for the 5th time in the history of the program in 2012. Before Coach Borseth could get Michigan to that next level, he felt he needed to go back to Green Bay where he called “home”.

Kim Barnes Arico takes over the program in 2012 and did not waste any time. Michigan had two all time appearances in the 2nd round, in 1990 and 2001. Since being hired as Michigan’s head coach, she has taken the team to five Round of 32 games, two Sweet 16’s, and their 1st ever Elite Eight appearance. Now, Michigan is one game away from a Final Four with 1 seed Louisville standing in their way.

Louisville comes in 28-4 after defeating 4 seed Tennessee 76-64. The Cardinals have been to four straight Elite Eight’s, and went to a Final Four in 2018. Louisville has been here before, and they know what is at stake. The two teams are also familiar with one another. Michigan and Louisville played back on December 2nd at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville. The Wolverines came into that game undefeated and were quickly humbled by a 22 point blowout on ESPN. The familiarity should help the Wolverines prepare for a rematch against a very tough opponent.

Michigan vs Louisville Statistical Overview

TEAM OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY: Louisville scores 0.882 points per possession (PPP), ranking 31st in the country.

TRANSITION OFFENSE: Louisville depends on transition scoring over 20% of the time. They score 1.091 PPP which ranks 10th in the country.

SPOT-UP SITUATIONS: In spot-ups, Louisville ranks 58th in the country. Scoring 0.895 PPP.

TEAM DEFENSIVE EFFICIENCY: Louisville allows 0.689 PPP which ranks 10th in the country.

TRANSITION DEFENSE: Louisville gives up 0.768 PPP in transition, ranking 12th in the country.

PICK & ROLL BALLHANDLER DEFENSE: Louisville excels in guarding the pick and roll ballhandler, allowing 0.518 PPP which is good for 6th in the country, and 1st nationally among high major programs.

Louisville Main Personnel

#10 Hailey Van Lith: Van Lith is a 5’7″ sophomore guard out of Washington. She is averaging 14.3 points and 3.4 rebounds on 42.8% shooting from the floor and 36.1% shooting from 3pt range. Van Lith has been playing lights out in the NCAA tournament. She has been averaging over 21 points and 4.3 rebounds over the last three tournament games. Van Lith had a great conference season, and earned a 1st Team All ACC selection. She is very quick with an elite quick twitch. Her handle reminds me so much of Kyrie Irving with how she has the basketball on a string and how quickly she can stop on a dime and change direction. (Last Game vs Michigan: 10 points, three rebounds, four steals)

Secondary Personnel

#21 Emily Engstler: Engstler is a 6’1″ transfer senior forward out of New York. She is averaging 12 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 47% from the field and 40.5% from the 3pt line. Seven of her last ten games have been double doubles and she has been a menace on the defensive end. She is very good on her feet, and a versatile piece on both ends of the court. Engstler gives Louisville a threat in transition and in the spot up game. Her spacing ability allows Van Lith to shred defenses and operate. (Last Game vs Michigan: 18 points, 14 rebounds, five steals, and two blocks)

#14 Kianna Smith: Smith is a 6’0″ guard out of California. She is averaging 11.9 points, three rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 43.3% from the floor and 37.4% from the 3pt line. Smith has had five straight games of scoring double figures, including a 20 point outing against Notre Dame. Smith is highly efficient, scoring 0.952 PPP which ranks 379th in the country. She is active off the ball and capable of creating her shot or playing off of guard penetration. (Last Game vs Michigan: 17 points, two rebounds, two steals)