Michigan answered an early loss to UConn with an 84-70 win over Marquette, while freshman Quinn Costello’s five 3-pointers offered a promising new weapon. Elsewhere, Mississippi State’s Favour Nwaedozi dominated the boards, Vanderbilt newcomer Mia Woolfolk strengthened an already potent lineup, and UCLA’s defending champion women and surging men both made early-season statements.

By the Numbers
  • Michigan beat Marquette 84-70; Costello scored 15 points on 5-for-6 shooting from 3-point range.
  • Nwaedozi posted 22 points and 19 rebounds against Troy, and is averaging 14.7 rebounds in about 22 minutes per game.
  • Notre Dame’s Ethan Roberts made 10 of 13 3-pointers in a 99-59 win over South Carolina State.
  • Duquesne’s Nadia Moore scored a career-high 33 points in a 72-67 win over Marist.
  • UCLA has averaged 101.3 points across its first three games.
Yes, But

These are early-season signals, not settled conclusions: several standouts have only a few games behind them, and Michigan is still adjusting to a new coach and roster after last season’s championship run. UCLA’s hot start is encouraging, but a long season remains.

State of Play
  • Michigan is rebuilding its footing after losing to UConn and has already found production from both a transfer and a freshman.
  • Vanderbilt’s added interior scoring from Woolfolk could open better opportunities for All-American Mikayla Blakes.
  • UCLA’s women are defending their national title, while the men are aiming to reestablish themselves as a contender.
Bottom Line

The slate’s clearest takeaway: early-season impact is coming from new combinations and breakout performances—and teams such as Michigan, Vanderbilt and UCLA have reasons to believe their ceilings are higher than their opening results alone suggest.