NC State Faces Defensive Challenge Against Michigan's Mila Holloway

Wolfpack coach Wes Moore prepares for the Wolverines' explosive sophomore guard

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:39pm

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NC State coach Wes Moore is preparing his team to face Michigan's standout sophomore guard Mila Holloway in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Holloway, who Moore recruited out of high school, presents a tough defensive matchup with her ability to shoot 3-pointers and drive to the rim. The Wolfpack will need to find a way to slow down Holloway, who is third on the team in scoring and one of the top players in the country in steals.

Why it matters

This second-round matchup features two top-10 teams in the country, with NC State looking to pull off the upset against the higher-seeded Wolverines. Containing Holloway will be key for the Wolfpack, as she is one of Michigan's most dangerous offensive weapons and can single-handedly swing the outcome of the game.

The details

Mila Holloway is averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game for Michigan this season, while shooting 44.1% from the field and 36.4% from 3-point range. She had a season-high 26 points in an overtime win against rival Michigan State in February. NC State coach Wes Moore has had his assistants scouting Holloway and the Wolverines all week, looking for ways to slow her down defensively.

  • The NC State-Michigan game is scheduled for 1 p.m. today in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The players

Wes Moore

The head coach of the NC State Wolfpack women's basketball team.

Mila Holloway

A sophomore guard for the Michigan Wolverines who is third on the team in scoring and one of the top players in the country in steals.

Aden Holloway

Mila Holloway's older brother, who plays for Alabama but is currently dealing with legal issues after being arrested on felony drug charges.

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What they’re saying

“I think to me when you're recruiting if you can get a player that can shoot 40 percent from three and be explosive to the rim, that's a heck of a player. They present matchup problems.”

— Wes Moore, NC State Head Coach

“First of all she's shooting 40 percent from three and has made the second most on the team. Then with her quickness and ability to get to the rim, that's a tough matchup. So I think start there.”

— Wes Moore, NC State Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the NC State-Michigan game will advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This second-round matchup features two top-10 teams in the country, with NC State looking to pull off the upset against the higher-seeded Wolverines. Containing Michigan's dynamic sophomore guard Mila Holloway will be the key for the Wolfpack, as she presents a major offensive threat with her ability to shoot 3-pointers and drive to the rim.