Takeaways from Michigan’s Sweet 16 win over South Dakota

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesFor the first time in program history, the Michigan Wolverines women’s basketball team has advanced to the Elite Eight, beating the South Dakota Coyotes in the Sweet 16, 52-49.

In what felt like a road game with the sheer amount of South Dakota fans in the crowd, the Wolverines earned a tough win by pushing the pace, playing stout defense and getting clutch buckets when they needed them.

Here are a few takeaways from the win.

Laila Phelia and Leigha Brown controlled the pace of this game

This had all the makings of a potential South Dakota rout in the first few minutes. Star forward Naz Hillmon was smothered, missing her first three shots while baskets came easy…