No. 9 Michigan women beat No. 13 Michigan State 94-91 in OT in rivals' 1st matchup as top-15 teams

Mila Holloway scores career-high 26 points to lead Wolverines in overtime thriller

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:15pm

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In a highly anticipated matchup between two top-15 women's college basketball teams, No. 9 Michigan defeated No. 13 Michigan State 94-91 in overtime on Sunday. Mila Holloway scored a career-high 26 points to lead the Wolverines, who outlasted the Spartans in a game that featured 17 lead changes and 13 ties. Olivia Olson, Syla Swords, and Ashley Sofilkanich also made key contributions for Michigan, which improved to 19-3 overall and 10-1 in Big Ten play. The Spartans, led by Inés Sotelo, Rashunda Jones, and Grace VanSlooten, had a chance to win at the end of regulation but couldn't convert. The rivals will meet again on February 15 at Michigan.

Why it matters

This was the first-ever matchup between Michigan and Michigan State with both teams ranked in the top 15 of the AP women's college basketball poll, underscoring the growing strength and competitiveness of the women's basketball programs at these two in-state rivals. The overtime thriller showcased the high-level talent and intense rivalry between the two schools, which will surely generate significant interest and anticipation for their rematch later this season.

The details

Michigan jumped out to a 25-22 lead after the first quarter, but Michigan State closed the first half on a 7-0 run to take a 42-41 advantage. The Wolverines then scored nine straight points to go up 52-44, but the Spartans battled back to tie it at 57-all midway through the third quarter. The game remained close throughout, with neither team able to pull away. In overtime, Olson made a three-point play and hit a 3-pointer on consecutive possessions to help Michigan take control and hold on for the victory.

  • The game was played on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • Michigan and Michigan State will meet again on February 15, 2026 at Michigan.

The players

Mila Holloway

A standout player for the Michigan Wolverines who scored a career-high 26 points in the win over Michigan State.

Olivia Olson

A key contributor for Michigan, scoring 23 points including a crucial three-point play and 3-pointer in overtime to help the Wolverines pull away.

Syla Swords

Finished with 15 points for Michigan after scoring just 3 in the first half.

Inés Sotelo

Led Michigan State with 15 points, including a last-second shot at the end of regulation that rimmed out.

Grace VanSlooten

Scored 12 points for the Spartans in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The rivals will meet again on February 15, 2026 at Michigan.

The takeaway

This game showcased the growing strength and competitiveness of the women's basketball programs at Michigan and Michigan State, with the two teams battling it out in an overtime thriller that featured multiple lead changes and a last-second shot that nearly won it for the Spartans. The rivalry between these two schools is sure to only intensify as they continue to establish themselves as top contenders in the Big Ten and nationally.