In the end, Michigan just ran out of gas. Playing their third game in as many days, the Wolverines hung tough with top-seeded USC for three quarters Saturday before falling 82-70 in the Big Ten women’s tournament semifinals.

Freshmen guards Syla Swords and Olivia Olson combined for 42 points in Michigan's Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal win against Maryland.

It’s no secret that the No. 5 seed Michigan women’s basketball team is centered about its youth. And against the No. 12 seed Washington, the Wolverines’ youth — specifically freshman guards Olivia Olson and Syla Swords — delivered,

Olivia Olson scored 21 points, fellow freshman Syla Swords added 15 and No. 5 seed Michigan beat No. 12 seed Washington 66-58 on Thursday in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament to end the Huskies' five-game win streak.

Kiki Iriafen scored 17 of her 25 points in the second half Saturday, JuJu Watkins added 20 points and each pulled down 11 rebounds to send No. 2 Southern California past fifth-seeded Michigan 82-70 and into the Big Ten championship game.

Michigan players Greta Kampschroeder, from left, Syla Swords, Olivia Olson and Mila Holloway (3) celebrate after defeating Northwestern in an NCAA basketball game on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 60-54. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) AP

Unanimous first-team all-Big Ten forward Kiki Iriafen scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as No. 2 Southern California pulled away late for an 82-70 win over fifth-seeded Michigan in

Kiki Iriafen scored 17 of her 25 points in the second half, JuJu Watkins added 20 points and each pulled down 11 rebounds to send No. 2 USC past fifth-seeded Michigan 82-70 and into the Big Ten championship game.