Michigan faces upset minded South Dakota in Sweet Sixteen
Michigan enters the Sweet Sixteen with a 24-6 overall record. The Wolverines were able to defeat 14 seed American by 35 points, and then 11 seed Villanova by 15 points. The first two rounds were hosted by Michigan in their last two home games of the season. Michigan is now headed to Wichita, Kansas for their second Sweet Sixteen ever. The Michigan program is set to play against a familiar face, Head Coach Dawn Plitzuweit. Coach Plitzuweit spent five years as an assistant coach at Michigan under former Michigan head coach, Kevin Borseth.
South Dakota comes in 29-5 as the 10 seed of the region. This is an impressive team. South Dakota lost at South Dakota State on February 5th, and that is their only loss since November 26th. They started the year 2-4, and in their 27 wins since, they have won by double digits in every game except one. South Dakota is accustomed to winning, and winning fairly easily without much stress towards the end of games. In their first two rounds, they played 7 seed Ole Miss and 2 seed Baylor. South Dakota beat both teams by 14 points, earning a trip to Wichita.
Michigan vs South Dakota Statistical Overview
TEAM OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY: South Dakota ranks 25th nationally in offensive efficiency, scoring 0.896 points per possession (PPP).
EFFICIENCY VS MAN DEFENSE: South Dakota ranks 15th in the country in offensive efficiency, scoring 0.888 PPP.
PICK & ROLL BALLHANDLER: When attacking with the ballhandler, South Dakota scores 0.853 PPP which ranks 11th in the country.
TRANSITION OFFENSE: In transition, South Dakota scores 1.031 PPP which ranks 29th in the country.
TEAM DEFENSIVE EFFICIENCY: As good as South Dakota is on offense, they are better on the defensive end. They are ranked 11 nationally, allowing 0.691 PPP.
DEFENDING PICK & ROLL BALLHANDLER: South Dakota allows 0.519 PPP, ranking 6th in the country.
TRANSITION DEFENSE: South Dakota allows 0.774 PPP, ranking 15th nationally.
POST-UP DEFENSE: On the block, South Dakota allows 0.808 PPP which ranks 185th in nationally.
South Dakota Main Personnel
#22 Chloe Lamb: Lamb is a 5’10” guard out of Onida, South Dakota. She is averaging 16.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and three assists on 46.8% shooting from the floor and 37.3% shooting from 3pt range. Lamb is South Dakota’s leading scorer, and she is very efficient on the offensive end. She ranks 230th in the country in offensive efficiency, scoring 0.998 PPP. Lamb likes to hit jump shots when given space, and she will use fakes and crafty dribbling to finish around the basket. Michigan must be aware of where she is at all times.
Secondary Personnel
#34 Hannah Sjerven: Sjerven is a 6’2″ center out of Minnesota. She is averaging 15 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 51.8% from the floor and 36.2% from the 3pt line. Sjerven is the most efficient player in the South Dakota rotation, scoring 1 PPP and ranking 209th nationally. She likes to rim run on turnovers and post hard. Sjerven is not afraid to pull a jump shot from distance or from midrange. Sjerven’s listed on the roster as a center, but she has shown impressive versatility on both ends. Michigan can not get outworked by her constant motor and activity around the basket.
#2 Liv Korngable: Korngable is a 5’10” senior guard out of Minnesota. She is averaging 12.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 49.7% from the floor and 42.2% from the 3pt line. Korngable is a strong guard, highly efficient, especially factoring in her assists with the scoring. She generates 1.303 PPP with her scoring and passing ability, ranking 107th in the country. Michigan must make her uncomfortable with the ball and can not leave her open when keying on Lamb and Sjerven.
