Michigan Upsets No. 2 UConn to End Huskies’ 39-Game Winning Streak

How many teams beat UConn? It doesn’t happen, Kim Barnes Arico said after the historic upset.

No. 5 Michigan secured the highest-ranked win in program history on Thursday night, defeating No. 2 UConn 77-66 in front of 9,575 fans at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The victory halted the Huskies’ 39-game regular-season winning streak that dated back to Feb. 6, 2025, and improved to 3-47 all time against top-five opponents, according to ESPN Research. Hundreds of fans flooded the floor after the final buzzer to celebrate with the team.

Te’Yala Delfosse and Olivia Olson Lead Michigan Past UConn

Junior wing Te’Yala Delfosse recorded a career-high 22 points alongside nine rebounds and four 3-pointers for the Wolverines, shooting 8-of-13 from the floor while adding two assists, two steals, and a block. Fellow junior Olivia Olson added 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals on 7-for-16 shooting.

The Wolverines played without starting point guard Mila Holloway, who is out indefinitely with an injured left leg, but leaned on their roster depth and defensive length to fluster the Huskies. Michigan forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 14 points, and limited UConn to 42 percent shooting from the field. The Huskies struggled heavily from beyond the arc, making just 8 of 31 three-pointers for 26 percent while committing 25 personal fouls compared to Michigan’s 13.

After three closely contested quarters where neither team led by more than six points, the Wolverines pulled away early in the fourth quarter by executing a 13-2 run. Michigan closed the game on a 20-9 run, overwhelming the visitors as head coach Kim Barnes Arico earned a signature win in her 15th season at the helm.

Geno Auriemma and Sarah Strong React to the Upset Defeat

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma did not mince words when evaluating his team’s performance, describing the result as deeply disappointing and noting that the Wolverines were better organized, they were more discipline, they ran their stuff. Auriemma also acknowledged that Michigan has put itself in a position to be a potential Final Four team.

Reigning AP National Player of the Year Sarah Strong battled foul trouble throughout the contest, drawing three fouls in a scoreless first half that forced Auriemma to bench her for the entire second period. Strong returned after halftime to score 11 of her 13 total points in the third quarter, helping UConn seize a brief 48-46 lead before eventually fouling out.

Just watch how we didn’t play UConn basketball at all, Strong said after the game. And I think we just let Michigan do whatever they wanted to do the whole time.

Freshman guard Jovana Popovic led all scorers with 25 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals for the Huskies.

Upcoming Matchups in Storrs and Ann Arbor

UConn must quickly turn its attention to a brutal opening schedule. The Huskies host No. 10 Iowa in Storrs, Connecticut, on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m., part of a demanding stretch that also features consecutive games against No. 18 Ohio State, No. 7 Louisville, and a Final Four rematch against top-ranked South Carolina on Nov. 24. Prior to the Iowa game, UConn will induct Azzi Fudd into the Huskies of Honor.

Michigan returns to action on Sunday, Nov. 8, hosting Wright State at 2 p.m. at the Crisler Center.