INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Michigan won its second men’s basketball national championship Monday, defeating UConn 69-63 in a gritty, hard-fought game. The Wolverines secured the title with strong free-throw shooting and resilience, overcoming shooting struggles from beyond the arc.
Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau led the Wolverines with 19 points, including the team’s first 3-pointer of the game, which came 7:04 into the second half. Trey McKenney added a crucial late 3-pointer with 1:50 remaining, giving Michigan a nine-point lead. UConn fought to the end, with Solo Ball banking in a 3 to cut the deficit to four with 37 seconds left. Alex Karaban scored 17 points but missed a late 3 that could have reduced the gap to one with 17 seconds remaining.
Michigan sealed the victory with free throws, making 25 of 28 attempts. McKenney sank two final free throws to secure the win. The Wolverines finished the season 37-3, earning their first title since 1989. The game had a vintage feel, with Michigan battling through missed shots and adversity to claim the crown.
Michigan’s best player, Yaxel Lendeborg, was limited by injuries, finishing with 13 points on 4-for-13 shooting. Despite the struggles, the Wolverines prevailed in a game marked by toughness and clutch performance.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
