Overview
- Michigan beat UConn 69-63 on Monday in Indianapolis, with Elliot Cadeau scoring 19 points and earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
- Michigan overcame 2-of-15 shooting from three by owning the foul line, finishing 25-of-28 on free throws to create the final margin.
- The Wolverines controlled the paint with a 36-22 edge in interior points and timely rim protection, even while getting out-rebounded 46-39.
- Elliot Cadeau led Michigan, Morez Johnson Jr. added a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double, and UConn’s Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. posted double-doubles in defeat.
- The win is Michigan’s first men’s championship since 1989 and ends the Big Ten’s title drought since 2000, stopping UConn’s bid for a third crown in four years.
- Michigan became the first champion to start five transfers, highlighting the transfer-portal era, as Yaxel Lendeborg and UConn guard Solo Ball played through injuries that limited their impact.