Michigan muscles its way to program’s 2nd NCAA national title : NPR

INDIANAPOLIS — On Monday, Michigan secured the national title by overcoming UConn with a 69-63 victory, despite making only two 3-pointers throughout the game. The Wolverines, known for their scoring ability, had to adopt a more physical approach to defeat a resilient UConn team.

Elliot Cadeau was pivotal for Michigan, scoring 19 points and making the team’s first 3-pointer over seven minutes into the second half. Freshman Trey McKenney delivered the second crucial 3-pointer with just under two minutes left, which extended the Wolverines’ lead to nine points under coach Dusty May.

UConn remained competitive until the end. Solo Ball’s 3-pointer reduced the gap to four points with 37 seconds remaining. However, Alex Karaban’s 3-pointer attempt, which could have narrowed the margin to one point, missed with 17 seconds to go.

Despite being outrebounded 22-12 on the offensive glass by UConn, Michigan celebrated its second national title, the first since 1989, after McKenney’s two free throws capped off their successful night at the free-throw line, where they converted 25 of 28 attempts.

The game had a throwback feel to it.

“If you’d told me we would shoot it this poorly and (be) dominated on the glass and still find a way to win, I don’t know if I would have believed you,” May remarked. “This team just found a way all season.”

Michigan’s Trey McKenney, left, and Elliot Cadeau celebrate during the second half of the NCAA college basketball tournament national championship game against UConn at the Final Four, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Indianapolis.

Michael Conroy/AP

hide caption

toggle caption

Michael Conroy/AP

Michigan had to battle for every point in the game. The Wolverines missed their first 11 attempts from beyond the arc, finishing just 2 of 15 from that range. Despite these struggles, and the challenges faced by their standout player Yaxel Lendeborg—who was hampered by knee and foot injuries—Michigan emerged victorious. Lendeborg, a graduate transfer from UAB, contributed 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting.

It was far from a perfect night for anyone.

UConn’s ambition to become the first team since John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty to clinch three titles in four years was thwarted by foul trouble and poor shooting.

Coach Dan Hurley’s squad shot just 30.9% from the field and missed their first 11 shots from 3-point range in the second half.

Braylon Mullins, who had been instrumental in UConn’s win over Duke to reach the Final Four, finished with 4-of-17 shooting. He did, however, manage a couple of late 3-pointers that kept the game close.

UConn (35-5) managed to cover the 6 1/2-point spread, and Hurley kept his team on the court to witness the trophy presentation heading to Ann Arbor instead of Storrs.

Members of Michigan celebrate after defeating UConn in the NCAA college basketball tournament national championship game at the Final Four, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Indianapolis.

Michael Conroy/AP

hide caption

See also  Trump tells Zelensky he’s gambling with WWIII in heated Oval Office meeting

toggle caption

Michael Conroy/AP

The only consolation for UConn was that they managed to disrupt Michigan’s rhythm, forcing them to play UConn’s game. The Wolverines, who had consistently scored over 90 points in recent tournament games, didn’t reach 70 this time. However, this victory was a crowning achievement for Michigan, surpassing even the illustrious Fab Five in terms of success.

Aside from aesthetics, this championship was built with external talent, forming a formidable team. All five starting players for Michigan had played college basketball elsewhere, except for Nimari Burnett, who joined this season. Coach May effectively utilized the transfer portal to assemble a winning team, demonstrating the importance of coaching and culture.

“They might still call us mercenaries, but we’re the hardest-working team,” Lendenborg stated. “We’re the best in college basketball, and we’ll be remembered as one of the greatest ever.”