Women's hoops rout UM

Last season Michigan entered its game against IU on a six-game losing streak and winless in the Big Ten. The Wolverines finished the game with a two-point advantage for their only conference victory of the season.\nSunday, the circumstances were eerily similar. \nMichigan entered the game against IU on a six-game losing streak and winless in the Big Ten. However, the result was dramatically different.\nIn front of 2,546 fans -- the team's largest crowd of the season at Assembly Hall -- IU routed Michigan 69-44.\n"We had a great turn out today," IU head coach Sharon Versyp said. "I hope we continue to have between 2,500 and 3,000 fans every game. The fans are the sixth player and it really helps the program and the players. We encourage everyone to continue to come and support IU women's basketball and all IU athletic sports." \nThe Hoosiers did not disappoint the record crowd. After IU gained an early 5-0 lead, Michigan battled back to take its first lead with 14:40 remaining in the first half. The Hoosiers responded with a 10-0 run that gave them an 18-7 lead with 8:18 until halftime.\nDuring the stretch, the defense held Michigan scoreless for more than six minutes. IU played solid defense throughout the half, forcing 10 turnovers and holding the Wolverines to 6-of-26 from the field.\nThe second half continued much like the first. The Hoosiers opened the period on a 9-4 run to build a 40-19 lead with just more than 15 minutes left to play. A barrage of 3-pointers by sophomore guard Nikki Smith and senior guard Cyndi Valentin gave the Hoosiers a 56-27 lead, their largest of the night, at the 9:04 mark.\nIU's constant pressure on defense prevented the Wolverines' offense from finding its rhythm. The Hoosiers finished the game with 11 steals and forced Michigan into shooting 16-of-52 from the field.\nThe Hoosiers will look to continue their success Thursday when they welcome Illinois to Assembly Hall.