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The Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team will return to the national championship for the first time since 2018 after defeating the Arizona Wildcats 91-73 in the Final Four.
Michigan took a 16-point lead midway through the first half and never looked back. Ade Mara’s high-percentage shooting and Elliot Cadeau’s ability to knock down long-range shots were more than enough to lead the Wolverines to the win.
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Michigan guard Nimari Burnett celebrates a basket against Arizona during the first half of the NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game in the Final Four on April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Abby Parr/AP)
Wolverines star Yaxel Lendeborg suffered two fouls early in the first half and then suffered a serious ankle injury during the period, forcing him to remain on the bench. He started the second half and hit two 3-pointers before ending it.
It seemed as if he was struggling with pain. He managed to score 11 points, including three 3-pointers, in 14 minutes of play. As they struggled, Trey McKennie took a big step forward.
McKechnie was hot from a distance. He finished with 16 points on 4-6 shooting from 3-point range.
Mara led Michigan with 26 points and nine rebounds. Cadeau had 13 points and 10 assists.
UConn’s undefeated season collapses as South Carolina gets sweet revenge on defending champs
Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg reacts after suffering an injury during the first half of the NCAA tournament semifinal game against Arizona in the Final Four on April 4, 2026 in Indianapolis. (Abby Parr/AP)
Arizona was unable to find its rhythm all night, and consecutive missed shots took the air out of the building. The Wildcats shot only 37% from the floor.
Wildcats freshman Koa Peet led the team with 16 points. He also had six rebounds.
Braden Burries and Jaden Bradley each had 13 points. Motiejus Krivas had 11 points.
Michigan lost to Jay Wright’s Villanova team in the 2018 national championship. Their appearance in the Saturday Night Final Four 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 a title opportunity.
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley reacts during the first half of the NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game against Michigan in the Final Four on April 4, 2026 in Indianapolis. (Michael Conroy/AP)
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If UConn wins, it will be the Huskies’ third title in four years.
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