Michigan head coach Kim Barnes Arico, right, consults with guard Jordan Hobbs (10) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game versus Ohio State at the Big Ten ladies's competition Friday, March 3, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn).
BATON ROUGE, La. - - When Michigan females's basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico sees tape on UNLV's Desi-Rae Young, she sees shades of former Wolverines star Naz Hillmon.

Hillmon, an All-America forward and the 2021 Big Ten Player of the Year, led Michigan to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight for the very first time in program history last season. Barnes Arico said Young shares many of the exact same characteristics that made Hillmon great.

" She's strong, she's physical, she rebounds, she safeguards," stated Barnes Arico, in her 11th season at Michigan. "She can do everything for them.".

No. 11-seeded UNLV (31-2) will meet sixth-seeded Michigan (22-9) at noon Friday at the Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the preliminary of the NCAA Tournament. Barnes Arico stated the Lady Rebels, ranked No. 22 by The Associated Press, remind her of a Big Ten team.

" Any team that can win over 30 basketball video games in a season is unique," said Barnes Arico, whose group is ranked 18th.

Barnes Arico had lots of praise for the Lady Rebels at Thursday's news conference. She has been following UNLV's rise because the season began as a voter in the coaches poll, and stated the Lady Rebels' depth and balance make them among the nation's best groups.

When UNLV coach Lindy La Rocque played at Stanford and values the plans and sets the Lady Rebels run, Barnes Arico said she remembers. She likewise said UNLV's flexible defense and discipline demonstrate how much the gamers have actually purchased into the coaching personnel's concepts.

" The task she's doing is outstanding," Barnes Arico stated. "They have talented gamers, however she's got them playing remarkably well.".

Phelia feeling great.

Michigan sophomore guard Laila Phelia, a second-team All-Big Ten selection who averaged 16.9 points, didn't play in February due to the fact that of a leg injury.

She returned two weeks ago, coming off the bench for two video games in the Big Ten competition and scoring 30 points in 52 minutes. Barnes Arico said she wished to get Phelia some playing time before the NCAA Tournament.

" I personally seem like I'll be prepared for tomorrow - - mentally and physically," Phelia said. "Can't wait.".

The Wolverines think Phelia's absence made them more powerful as a team. Sophomore guard Jordan Hobbs got extended minutes and some starts, and Barnes Arico thinks that experience can assist Michigan.

Michigan likewise is counting on its Big Ten experience. Fifth-year guard Leigha Brown stated the Big Ten is more physical and athletic than most leagues and that Michigan will count on the lessons it discovered in conference play. Fifth-year forward Emily Kiser added that the Wolverines want to put pressure on the Lady Rebels from the start.

Barnes Arico stated she believes Michigan has a benefit over UNLV with its length, particularly at guard. Brown, Hobbs, Phelia and sophomore Greta Kampschroeder are noted at 6 feet or taller. Senior Maddie Nolan is 5-11, the fastest member of Michigan's guard rotation.

Senior wing Justice Ethridge is the tallest player in the Lady Rebels' guard rotation at 5-9.

" We have to play to our strengths," Barnes Arico said, "much like UNLV needs to play to theirs.".

Contact reporter Andy Yamashita at ayamashita@reviewjournal.com. Follow @ANYamashita on Twitter.

Up next.

Who: UNLV females vs. Michigan.

What: NCAA Tournament.

When: Noon Friday.

Where: Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, La