Michigan defeated UConn 69-63 Monday night to win its first NCAA men’s basketball title since 1989. The Wolverines secured just their second national championship in program history at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Both teams entered the game with strong offenses, but it was a low-scoring first half. Michigan led 33-29 at halftime, with Yaxel Lendeborg, playing through a sprained left MCL and ankle, scoring four points on 1-of-5 shooting. Morez Johnson Jr. added 10 points, and Elliot Cadeau contributed seven for Michigan.
UConn struggled offensively, shooting 33% in the first half. Alex Karaban scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, but shot 4-of-14 overall. Solo Ball, who entered with a foot sprain, scored eight points on 3-of-4 shooting.
UConn fought back in the second half, cutting Michigan’s lead to five with less than nine minutes remaining. However, Cadeau responded with a three-pointer, pushing the Wolverines’ advantage back to double digits. Lendeborg then made a key layup to extend Michigan’s lead to 11 with under six minutes to go.
Despite UConn’s efforts to rally, Michigan maintained its lead. Trey McKenney hit a 26-foot shot with 1:49 remaining to make it 62-53. UConn’s Solo Ball hit a three in the final seconds, but Michigan held on for the win. Cadeau led all scorers with 19 points and was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player.
Michigan finished 2-of-15 from three-point range and was out-rebounded 46-39. UConn shot 3-of-10 from beyond the arc and was hindered by shooting struggles, including missed free throws. The Huskies’ season ends with their hopes for a third title in four tournaments dashed by the resilient Wolverines.
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
