Michigan gave the defending national champs and No. 1 team in the country all it could handle. The Wolverines lost to top-ranked UConn 82-79 Friday night at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, despite 29 points from sophomore Syla Swords.

Michigan, which trailed by 20 early in the third quarter, was denied a shot in the final seconds that would have tied the game.

Michigan scored just two baskets in the opening quarter and trailed by 18 at half. A zone defense paired with Swords’ hot shooting changed the game. The Wolverines dominated the third quarter to give themselves a shot at the upset.

Michigan’s final nine points came on Swords 3s, each one increasing in difficult. She made eight 3s and added nine rebounds while playing all 40 minutes. It wasn’t quite enough for the No

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