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The Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team will return to the national championship for the first time since 2018 after a rout of the Arizona Wildcats, 91-73, in the Final Four.
Michigan jumped out to a 16-point lead midway through the first half and never had to look back from there. Aday Mara’s high shooting percentage and Elliott Cadeau’s ability to hit the long-range shot were more than enough for the Wolverines to take the win.
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Michigan guard Nimari Burnett celebrates a basket against Arizona during the first half of a semifinal game of the NCAA college basketball tournament at the Final Four in Indianapolis on April 4, 2026. (Abbie Parr/AP)
Wolverines star Yaxel Lendeborg was fouled twice early in the first half and then suffered a serious ankle injury during the period that kept him on the bench. He started the second half and hit two three-pointers before calling it a night.
It seemed as if he was struggling with pain. He managed to score 11 points, including three triples in 14 minutes of play. While struggling, Trey McKenney took a big step forward.
McKenney was hot from long range. He finished with 16 points and was 4 of 6 from 3-point range.
Mara led Michigan with 26 points and nine rebounds. Cadeau scored 13 points and 10 assists.
UCONN’S UNDEfeated SEASON UNDERSTANDS AS SOUTH CAROLINA TAKES SWEET REVENGE AGAINST DEGENDING CHAMPIONS
Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg reacts after an injury during the first half of an NCAA Tournament semifinal game against Arizona at the Final Four in Indianapolis on April 4, 2026. (Abbie Parr/AP)
Arizona couldn’t find its rhythm all night and continued missed shots left the building gasping for breath. The Wildcats only shot 37% from the floor.
Wildcats freshman Koa Peat scored 16 points to lead the team. He also had six rebounds.
Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley scored 13 points each. Motiejus Krivas scored 11 points.
Michigan lost in the 2018 national championship to Jay Wright’s Villanova team. Their Final Four appearance Saturday night was their third since 1993. The team last won a national championship in 1989, when Glen Rice and the Wolverines defeated Seton Hall in overtime.
The Wolverines will face the UConn Huskies in the national championship game on Monday night. The Huskies defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini to receive the title shot.
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game against Michigan at the Final Four in Indianapolis on April 4, 2026. (Michael Conroy/AP)
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If UConn wins, it will be the Huskies’ third title in four years.
