Freshman Syla Swords scored 23 points, eight in the fourth quarter, and No. 24 Michigan edged No. 23 Minnesota 70-65.

Michigan State's goalie Trey Augustine, left, fights off Minnesota's Aaron Huglen, right, during the first period on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at Munn Arena in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

With each passing game, Michigan’s freshmen look less and less like rookies. On Thursday night in Minneapolis, they carried the Wolverines to their first top-25 win of the season. Michigan beat No. 23 Minnesota 70-65, handing the Golden Gophers their first loss at Williams Arena this season in 12 tries.

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But the Gophers (17-3 overall, 5-3 Big Ten) struggled to finish against Michigan’s physical defense, making only nine of 33 second-half shots and just four of 15 in the fourth q

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With the win, Michigan women's basketball improved to 14-4 overall and 5-3 in the Big Ten, extending its winning streak to four games. The Wolverines return to action Saturday in a rivalry matchup against No. 21 Michigan State, while Minnesota will look to bounce back Sunday against Wisconsin.

The Spartans and Golden Gophers last met in December when Michigan State nearly swept then-No. 1 Minnesota, leaving Minneapolis with a tie (shootout win) and come-from-behind win

Saturday's game between UM and MSU at Crisler Center marks the first where both teams have been ranked in the Top 25.

Ly’Cye Patterson and Femi Odukale have each tallied season highs in scoring over Minnesota’s last two victories.