After a hard-fought victory against Mississippi State, the No. 5 Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball team (18-0, 5-0 SEC) is gearing up for a highly anticipated clash with No. 8 Michigan (15-2, 6-1 Big Ten) in a top-10 nonconference showdown set for January 19. This exciting matchup is part of the Coretta Scott King Classic doubleheader taking place at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
Both programs are riding a wave of momentum. Michigan nearly toppled reigning national champion UConn, suffering only a narrow three-point loss, and boasts a significant win against then-No. 18 Notre Dame. The Wolverines’ only other blemish came against Washington, a team that is just outside the top-25 rankings, marking a game where Michigan faced unexpected offensive challenges. On the other hand, Vanderbilt secured a spotlight victory over then-No. 5 LSU, and now seeks to maintain its perfect start as it enters just its second ranked matchup of the season.
According to ESPN analytics, Michigan holds a 68.2% chance of winning the contest. The last time these two teams met was in 2008, when Michigan won 50-42 in Ann Arbor.
The backcourt matchups offer a fascinating parallel, as both teams showcase a talented duo that blends a top scorer with a versatile playmaker. Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes and Aubrey Galvan will be going head-to-head with Michigan’s Olivia Olson and Syla Swords in a matchup that could be pivotal in determining the game’s outcome.
Blakes, averaging an impressive 25.6 points per game alongside 3.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 3.6 steals, has proven herself a consistent force, recently delivering a season-high 38-point performance against Mississippi State. Olson, a dynamic big guard, contributes significantly for Michigan with 18.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, showcasing a remarkable capability to finish plays while navigating through contact.
Galvan and Swords serve similar roles as momentum-shifting point guards. Swords has burst into the national conversation following her remarkable 28-point game against UConn, though her subsequent performances have varied in intensity. Conversely, Galvan has demonstrated growth in her first SEC season, managing an impressive 2.8 assist-to-turnover ratio, which showcases her burgeoning confidence and knowledge of the game, despite occasional shooting struggles.
Both teams are expected to engage in a fast-paced offensive battle, with Michigan averaging 88.6 points per game—ranked fifth in the nation—and Vanderbilt close behind with 86.9 points, landing in the ninth position. Michigan holds a slight edge in pace, potentially leading to rapid scoring opportunities.
With both teams excelling offensively, the outcome may hinge on defensive and rebounding performances. Michigan leads the nation in offensive rebounds at 17.1 per game, amplifying the importance of second-chance opportunities. Vanderbilt will need to tighten its defensive rebounding to counteract this advantage and maintain control during potential shifts in momentum.
Though the game is set for a neutral venue, several players on both teams will return to familiar territory. For Vanderbilt, local talents Blakes and Justine Pissott will have home support, while Michigan’s Te’Yala Delfosse and Ashley Sofilkanich hail from the surrounding area. This connection is sure to enhance the atmosphere as they compete in front of friends and family.
The high-stakes game between Vanderbilt and Michigan is scheduled to take place on January 19 at 1:30 p.m. CST at the Prudential Center, and will be broadcasted on FOX, promising an electrifying showdown filled with talent and competitive spirit.