Fresh off their dismantling of an overpowered Akron team (5-6), the 20th ranked Michigan Wolverines Women’s Basketball team faces a formidable three game stretch that may define their season. 

“We know that our conference and our upcoming games are going to really test us,” said Head Coach Kim Barnes Arico in recent comments. “Our conference is deeper and stronger than it’s ever been.” 

Up next is a game against No. 7 USC (11-1), on Dec. 29, a team sure to ascend the national rankings after a win against annual powerhouse UCONN (No. 4, 10-2). 

Just three days later, on Jan. 1, Michigan visits the top team in the nation, No. 1 UCLA (12-0). The Bruins are currently tied for the lead in the Big Ten Conference. 

As if that’s not enough, Michigan hosts undefeated arch rival Ohio State (No. 11, 12-0), the other team at the top of the Big Ten, on Jan. 8. 

With wins against all three teams, the Lady Wolverines will no doubt leap over three of the top five teams in the conference standings. Wins against all three will also make a statement to the NCAA Tournament selection committee, likely punching the Michigan Women’s ticket into the tournament still months away. 

Losses would hurt, and could be fatal. With a loaded Big Ten, Michigan will have a tough task climbing the rankings. 

Coach Barnes Arico continued, “We have to continue to grow and continue to improve. I think the greatest thing about this squad is that they want to. Their mindset is that they want to get better every day. They’re super coachable, they’re locked in and they just want to grow.”