The Toledo women’s basketball team (7-2) captured one of its biggest wins in program history on Thursday night, defeating No. 14 Michigan (9-1, 1-0 B1G) 71-68 at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor.
The win over the No. 14-ranked Wolverines is Toledo’s first over a ranked team since beating No. 20 Dayton on Dec. 9, 2009. It’s also the first win away from home vs. a ranked team since a triumph vs. No. 24 Ole Miss on March 16, 1996, in the NCAA Tournament. Thursday’s victory also marked the first win for the Rockets vs. a Big Ten team since a 69-58 win at Indiana on Nov. 25, 2011.
The Rockets celebrate their 71-68 win at No. 14 Michigan on Thursday night.
Toledo already owned the longest road win streak in the country coming into Thursday’s game, and that streak now extends to 14 games.
“I was so proud of the way we started the game,” Head Coach Tricia Cullop said. “You have to have a good start against a team like this. I thought we were composed and didn’t get too excited about the lead, because you’ve seen teams take an early lead but the other team storms back. We just kept telling them not to look at the score, just go out there and keep doing the little things right. We really battled it out and found a way to win.”
Toledo grabbed the lead early and held on for much of the game, leading by at least two possessions until the 5:54 mark of the fourth quarter. The Rockets maintained their lead until a 7-0 Michigan run flipped the script and turned a two-point lead into a two-point deficit, 66-64, with 1:41 left in the game. Junior Khera Goss’ and-one with 1:23 to go put Toledo back on top, 67-66.
Michigan’s Leigha Brown knocked down a jumper with 20 seconds left to put her team ahead, 69-68, but on the Rockets’ next possession junior Sammi Mikonowicz corralled the inbounds pass and drove to the hoop for two for what would end up being the game-winning basket. The Wolverines’ last shot attempt clanked off the rim and was rebounded by Mikonowicz, who iced the game with two free throws to clinch the historic victory.
“We’re obviously very excited,” Mikonowicz said. “This is a huge win for us. We knew we needed to win one of these big games on our schedule. They were a super physical and aggressive team, so that was something we had to battle with. But I think tonight’s win just proves what we’re capable of.”
Toledo shot 50.0 percent (26-for-52) from the floor on Thursday and was a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line. Senior Sophia Wiard was terrific, scoring a team-high 15 points on 4-of-6 shooting and making 3-of-4 3-pointers. Junior Nan Garcia added 14 points off the bench and added seven rebounds and two steals. Senior Quinesha Lockett scored 12 points, tallied six rebounds and caused havoc on defense with four steals. Goss and Mikonowicz both scored 11 points and Mikonowicz matched Garcia’s rebound total with seven.
The Rockets outrebounded the Wolverines by a slim 33-30 margin. Michigan was led by Laila Phelia and her game-high 20 points and Emily Kiser, who scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
Toledo returns home on Sunday, Dec. 11, to host Dayton at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets to Sunday’s game or any women’s basketball game, visit the Rocket Athletic Ticket Office at the Sullivan Athletic Complex in Savage Arena, contact the Rocket Athletic Ticket Office at 419-530-GOLD (4653) or go online to the UTRockets Ticket webpage.
