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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 took a 16-point lead midway through the first half and never had to look back. Aday Mara’s high shooting percentage and Elliott Cadeau’s ability to knock away the long-range shot were more than enough for the Wolverines to earn the victory.
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Michigan guard Nimari Burnett celebrates a basket against Arizona during the first half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four in Indianapolis on April 4, 2026. (Abbie Parr/AP)
Wolverines star Yaxel Lendeborg struggled with two fouls early in the first half, then suffered a serious ankle injury down the stretch to keep him on the bench. He started the second half and made two 3-pointers before ending the night.
He looked like he was fighting the pain. He managed to score 11 points, including three 3-pointers in 14 minutes of play. While he struggled, Trey McKenney stepped up his efforts.
McKenney was hot from long range. He finished with 16 points on 4 of 6 from 3-point range.
Mara led Michigan with 26 points and nine rebounds. Cadeau had 13 points and 10 assists.
UCONN’S UNDEFEATED SEASON RUNS UP AS SOUTH CAROLINA TAKES SWEET VENGEANCE AGAINST REGION 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 failed to find its rhythm throughout the night, and the continued missed shots sucked the air out of the building. The Wildcats shot just 37 percent from the floor.
Wildcats freshman Koa Peat scored 16 points to lead the team. He also pulled down six rebounds.
Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley each had 13 points. Motiejus Krivas had 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 knocked off Seton Hall in overtime.
The Wolverines will face the UConn Huskies in the national championship game Monday night. The Huskies defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini for the opportunity to win the title.
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.
