Phelia's 23 points lead Michigan past Minnesota 76-57, advance to Big Ten quarterfinals

Minnesota guard Grace Grocholski, right, looks to shoot as Michigan guards Laila Phelia, left, and Elissa Brett defend during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Big Ten women's tournament Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Laila Phelia scored 23 points and sixth-seeded Michigan beat 11th-seeded Minnesota 76-57 to earn a berth in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Women’s basketball tournament Thursday night.

Michigan takes on No. 3 seed and 12th-ranked Indiana in the quarterfinals on Friday night.

Lauren Hansen hit two 3-pointers and a jumper to help Michigan to a 12-5 lead to start the game and the Wolverines built an 11-point lead after one quarter and Elise Stuck’s jumper with 15 seconds left sent them into intermisson with a 37-24 advantage. Phelia opened the second half with a layup, a 3-pointer and a jumper to push the lead to 44-27 and Michigan pulled away steadily.

Phelia hit 2 of 3 from beyond the arc and was 7 of 8 from the line to lead Michigan (19-12). Hansen added 14 points and dished six assists and Cameron Williams added 11 points off the bench. The Wolverines hit 7 of 18 from 3-point range and was 13 of 17 from the free-throw line.

Amaya Battle scored 22 points to lead Minnesota (16-15). Freshman Ayianna Johnson had 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds and freshman Ajok Madol came off the bench to hit 2 of 4 from distance and add 11 points. The Gophers were 28 of 64 from the field, including 4 of 17 from deep.

___

Get alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. Sign up here

___

AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball