Michigan Wolverines Reach Elite Eight After Defeating Louisville Cardinals

Olivia Olson's strong third quarter performance helps Michigan pull away for a 72-51 victory.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:49am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a women's basketball game, with overlapping planes of color and movement, capturing the energy and intensity of the matchup.Michigan's victory over Louisville showcases the team's ability to adapt and dominate in the NCAA Tournament.Louisville Today

The second-seeded Michigan Wolverines defeated the third-seeded Louisville Cardinals 72-51 in the Fort Worth 3 regional semifinal of the NCAA Tournament. Olivia Olson scored eight of her 19 points in the third quarter to help Michigan pull away after a slow start. Syla Swords added 16 points for the Wolverines, who overcame an early 8-0 deficit to reach their second Elite Eight in program history.

Why it matters

Michigan's victory over Louisville marks the Wolverines' second trip to the Elite Eight, a significant milestone for the program as they seek their first ever Final Four berth. The game also showcased the team's ability to regroup and find momentum after a sluggish start, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability.

The details

Michigan overcame a slow start, missing their first six shots before finally scoring with 3:46 remaining in the first quarter. Louisville established a 25-14 lead in the second quarter, but Michigan ended the half on an 18-2 run to take the lead. The Cardinals briefly regained the lead in the third quarter, but Michigan then dominated, scoring 23 of the next 27 points to pull away. Syla Swords and Olivia Olson led the Wolverines' offensive charge, with Olson scoring eight of her 19 points in the pivotal third quarter.

  • Michigan overcame an early 8-0 deficit in the first quarter.
  • Louisville led 25-14 with 6:53 remaining in the first half.
  • Michigan ended the first half on an 18-2 run to take the lead.
  • Louisville briefly regained the lead in the third quarter.
  • Michigan then scored 23 of the next 27 points to pull away in the third quarter.

The players

Olivia Olson

A key player for the Michigan Wolverines, scoring 19 points in the game, including 8 in the pivotal third quarter.

Syla Swords

Scored 16 points for the Michigan Wolverines in their victory over the Louisville Cardinals.

Elif Istanbulluoglu

The leading scorer for the Louisville Cardinals, recording 18 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

Michigan Wolverines

The second-seeded team that defeated the third-seeded Louisville Cardinals to reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

Louisville Cardinals

The third-seeded team that lost to the Michigan Wolverines, ending their 15th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to regroup and find our rhythm after a slow start. The team really stepped up in the second and third quarters to take control of the game.”

— Olivia Olson, Michigan Wolverines Player

What’s next

Michigan will face the winner of the Texas vs. Kentucky matchup on Monday in the Elite Eight, with a chance to earn their first ever Final Four berth.

The takeaway

Michigan's ability to overcome a slow start and dominate the second and third quarters showcased the team's resilience and adaptability, setting them up for a chance to make their first ever Final Four appearance. The victory also highlighted the Wolverines' balanced scoring attack and defensive intensity, which will be crucial as they continue their NCAA Tournament run.