By Blessing Nweke
Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball captured their second national championship in men’s college basketball with a 69-63 victory over the UConn Huskies men’s basketball on Monday night in Indianapolis, capping a dominant season and tournament run.
After finishing the regular season 31-3, Michigan entered the title game as one of the most consistent teams in the country. The Wolverines had won each of their first five NCAA Tournament games by double digits, boasting an average margin of victory of 21.6 points. While the championship matchup proved tighter, Michigan controlled much of the contest, leading for roughly 75% of the game.
“It still doesn’t feel real,” head coach Dusty May said during the trophy presentation. “These guys have done it all year.”
Michigan’s physical edge proved decisive. The Wolverines attempted 28 free throws compared to UConn’s 16 and dominated the paint, outscoring the Huskies 36-22 inside.
Junior guard Elliot Cadeau led Michigan with 19 points and was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player after averaging 16.0 points, 6.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds over the final two rounds. Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg added 13 points, while sophomore Morez Johnson Jr. contributed 12.
“It just feels great being able to do this with the people I love,” Cadeau said. “Nobody cared about stats… just winning.”
UConn, which had been seeking its third title in four seasons, struggled offensively. The Huskies shot just 31% from the field, with Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr. and Braylon Mullins combining for 41 points on inefficient shooting.
The title marks Michigan’s first championship since 1989 and a breakthrough for May in just his second season leading the program.
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