2021 Women’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16: #2 Baylor defeats #6 Michigan 78-75 (3-27-21)

By: Lamonte Thomas

Headline Photo Courtesy: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The first quarter was gritty as Baylor took a 16-13 lead. Nalyssa Smith dominated the first half with 13 points and was set up a few times by Baylor’s guards, including a behind the back dribble and dish by the crafty Caitlin Bickle. Michigan kept the lead to six with three trifectas made and Hillmon’s eight points. Baylor lead at the half 29-23.

The Alamodome in San Antonio featured the battle between the Lady Bears of Baylor and the Lady Wolverines of Michigan in a sweet sixteen standoff. Baylor has cruised into this matchup after dominating Jackson State and Virginia Tech in the first two rounds. The guard play was impeccable in both rounds, including 21 second round points a piece from DiJonai Carrington and Moon Ursin vs Virginia Tech. Michigan comes in to its first sweet sixteen appearance after defeating Florida Gulf Coast and Tennessee in the first two rounds. Nazeem Hillmon leads the team averaging 24.3 points and 11.6 rebounds a game. The x-factor could be Hailey Brown, who leads the team this year in threes (31) and blocks (19). 

The second half was on for the ages. Michigan’s three-pointers rose from three to nine as they hung close to the Lady Bears. Each team recorded 17 assists and 15 turnovers in a grueling battle. Regulation was not enough to decide this one as Baylor couldn’t end it with .2 seconds left. In the OT period, DiJonai Carrington’s steal and coast to coast layup turned the tide for Baylor. Michigan had two chances to tie the game with a three but to no avail. Leigha Brown led the Wolverines with 23 points and seven rebounds, as Nalyssa Smith added 24 points for Baylor while Moon Ursin provided 20 pts, five rebounds and 4 assists. Baylor would hold on for the win 78-75.