It is rare for Big Ten women’s basketball program to visit a Mid-American Conference team in its own house, especially when its ranked in the top 25.
That said, Akron will have just such a chance when it hosts Michigan at noon Friday at Rhodes Arena. The Wolverines (9-2) arrive ranked 20th in the latest Associated Press poll.
Akron (5-5) is 4-1 at home this season and coming off its biggest win of the season Dec. 7 vs. Canisius.
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- Akron – Alexus Mobley, G, Indianapolis; Maddie Vejsicky, G, New Concord, OH; Liisa Tamponen, C, Tampere, Finland; Kam’ren Rhodes, G, Chandler, AZ.; Teniesha Clarke, G, Burlington, Ontario.
- Michigan – Olivia Olson, G, New Hope, Minn.; Mila Holloway, G, Charlotte, N.C.; Jordan Hobbs, G, Springboro, OH; Greta Kampschroeder, G, Naperville, IL.; Syla Swords, G, Sudbury, Ontario.
What to look for from Akron women’s basketball
Akron had almost a full two weeks to prepare for Michigan, having last played on Dec. 7 vs. Canisius. The Zips are on a three-game winning streak at home.
The Zips offense has been by committee so far this season, with Teniesha Clarke (11.4 points per game), Alexus Mobley (10.6) and Maddie Vejsicky (10.5) all playing major roles. Akron is averaging 67.2 points a game while limiting opponents to 61 per game. Turnovers have been an issue as Akron is committing 16.1 a game.
Ryan Gensler is in his second year as Zips head coach. He has a record of 16-23 at Akron.
What to look for from Michigan women’s basketball
Michigan had a nine-game win streak snapped Tuesday with a 72-62 loss to 10th-ranked Oklahoma. The Wolverines only other loss came against defending national champion South Carolina in their opening game.
Michigan’s starting lineup has been consistent with five guards: Freshman Olivia Olson (16.1 points per game), freshman Syla Swords (16.1), senior Jordan Hobbs (13.7), freshman Mila Holloway (10.9) and senior guard Greta Kampschroeder (5.6). The Wolverines are averaging 82.5 points per game, while holding opponents to 56 a game. They have dominated the boards with 43.8-31 rebounding edge per game.
Kim Barnes Arico is in her 13th year at Michigan. She has the most wins in program history with 270.
Akron basketball scores this season
| Nov. 4 | Georgia State | W, 81-73 |
| Nov. 7 | at Binghamton | L, 66-50 |
| Nov. 13 | Robert Morris | L, 59-53 |
| Nov. 16 | Cleveland State | W, 85-74 |
| Nov. 22 | at Tennessee State | L, 72-68 |
| Nov. 24 | at Bellarmine | L, 72-65 |
| Nov. 29 | Iona (Colgate Tournament) | W, 64-51 |
| Nov. 30 | Colgate (Colgate Tournament) | L, 62-54 |
| Dec. 4 | Slippery Rock | W, 79-43 |
| Dec. 7 | Canisius | W, 83-43 |
Michigan basketball scores this season
| Nov. 4 | South Carolina (at Las Vegas) | L, 68-62 |
| Nov. 8 | Lehigh | W, 86-55 |
| Nov. 14 | Central Michigan | W, 99-62 |
| Nov. 17 | Oakland | W, 88-42 |
| Nov. 20 | Long Island | W, 96-31 |
| Nov. 24 | Long Beach State | W, 111-56 |
| Nov. 29 | Belmont (Fort Myers Tip Off) | W, 68-58 |
| Nov. 30 | Virginia Tech (Fort Myers Tip Off) | W, 76-65 |
| Dec. 8 | Northwestern | W, 60-54 |
| Dec. 14 | Detroit Mercy | W, 100-54 |
| Dec. 17 | Oklahome (at Charlotte) | L, 72-62 |
