2021–22 Michigan Wolverines women's basketball team explained

The 2021–22 Michigan Wolverines women's basketball team represented the University of Michigan during the 2021–22 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Wolverines were led by head coach Kim Barnes Arico in her tenth year, and played their home games at the Crisler Center. This season marked the program's 40th season as a member of the Big Ten Conference.

This season was highlighted by Michigan reaching their highest ranking ever in the AP Poll at No. 4.^[1] They also earned their first ever win over a top-five ranked team when they defeated No. 5 Baylor 74–68 in overtime on December 19, 2021.^[2] Naz Hillmon also became the program's all-time leading rebounder, surpassing the previous record set by Trish Andrew in 1993.^[3] They were ranked the No. 3 seed in the 2022 NCAA tournament, their highest seed ever, and advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history.^{[4] [5]}

Previous season

The Wolverines finished the 2020–21 season with a 16–6 record, including 9–5 in Big Ten play to finish in fourth place. They also reached No. 11 in the AP Poll, their highest rank ever, and were ranked the No. 6 seed in the 2021 NCAA tournament, their highest seed ever. The Wolverines advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in program history.^[6]

Offseason

On April 1, 2021, former assistant coach Toyelle Wilson was named the head coach at SMU.^[7]

On September 10, 2021, Kim Barnes Arico signed a contract extension through the 2025–26 season.^[8]

Schedule and results

|-! colspan="9" style="background:#242961; color:#F7BE05;"| Exhibition|-! colspan="9" style="background:#242961; color:#F7BE05;"| Regular season|-! colspan="9" style="background:#242961; color:#F7BE05;"| Big Ten Women's Tournament|-! colspan="9" style="background:#242961; color:#F7BE05;"| NCAA Women's Tournament

Rankings

See main article: 2021–22 NCAA Division I women's basketball rankings.

Ranking Movement
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking. NR = Not ranked. RV = Received votes.

Poll	Pre	Wk 2	Wk 3	Wk 4	Wk 5	Wk 6	Wk 7	Wk 8	Wk 9	Wk 10	Wk 11	Wk 12	Wk 13	Wk 14	Wk 15	Wk 16	Wk 17	Wk 18	Wk 19	Final
AP	11	13	12	12	13	13	9	9	8	11	8	7	6	4	9	6	10	12	12	12
Coaches	10	10^	9	9	11	11	7	7	7	10	8	7	5	4	9	5	9	12	12	7

^Coaches did not release a Week 2 poll.

Notes and References

1. Web site: With another top-25 win, Michigan women's basketball again makes history in AP rankings . Tony . Paul . . February 7, 2022 . February 7, 2022.
2. Web site: U-M Takes Down Baylor in OT to Earn Program's First Win Over Top-Five Team. December 19, 2021. December 19, 2021. Sarah. VanMetre. CBS Interactive. MGoBlue.com.
3. Web site: Wolverines Sweep Ohio State with Dominant Road Win . . MGoBlue.com . Sarah . VanMetre . January 27, 2022 . January 27, 2022.
4. Web site: Michigan Earns First NCAA Elite Eight Appearance with Win Over South Dakota . . MGoBlue.com . Sarah . VanMetre . March 26, 2022 . March 26, 2022.
5. Web site: Michigan's Historic NCAA Run Ends in Elite Eight After Tight Battle with Louisville . . MGoBlue.com . Sarah . VanMetre . March 28, 2022 . March 28, 2022.
6. Web site: Michigan to Face No. 2 Seed Baylor in First NCAA Sweet 16 Appearance . Sarah . VanMetre . September 11, 2021 . March 25, 2021 . . MGoBlue.com.
7. Web site: Toyelle Wilson named new SMU coach after stops at Michigan, Baylor . September 11, 2021 . April 1, 2021 . ESPN.com.
8. Web site: Barnes Arico Inks Contract Extension Through 2025-26 . Sarah . VanMetre . September 11, 2021 . September 10, 2021 . . MGoBlue.com.