U-M Triumphs Over No. 2 Arizona, Reaches First NCAA Title Game Since 2018
In a thrilling matchup, the University of Michigan men’s basketball team triumphed over the No. 2 Arizona Wildcats, winning 91-71. This game, held on April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, marked Michigan’s return to the NCAA title game for the first time since 2018.
Game Overview
Michigan, ranked No. 3 and the top seed in the Midwest Region, excelled with impressive shooting. The Wolverines finished with a field goal percentage of 57.1%, notably increasing to 63.6% in the second half. A key contributor was Aday Mara, who scored 26 points, marking his third game with 20 or more points this season. Alongside him, Trey McKenney added 16 points, while Elliot Cadeau achieved a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists.
First Half Highlights
The Wolverines started strong, quickly gaining an 8-0 lead. A combination of solid play from Mara and McKenney boosted Michigan’s advantage to 16-5 midway through the half. Despite a brief Arizona comeback, Michigan finished the first half leading 48-32.
- Aday Mara: 26 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks
- Trey McKenney: 16 points including 4 three-pointers
- Elliot Cadeau: 13 points, 10 assists, 4 steals
- Yaxel Lendeborg: 11 points, 3 three-pointers
- Morez Johnson Jr.: 10 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Second Half Dominance
The second half saw Michigan maintain momentum, starting with a basket from Mara and a quick return for Lendeborg, who sunk two three-pointers. The Wolverines extended their lead to 81-55, executing 11 out of 13 shot attempts during one stretch. Arizona struggled to keep pace, ultimately falling behind by 19 points, the largest margin since their 2018 tournament loss.
Significant Statistics
- Michigan scored 90+ points in five consecutive tournament games, a NCAA Tournament first.
- The 18-point victory ties the record for the largest margin between No. 1 seeds in NCAA history.
- Cadeau surpassed previous season records with 232 assists this season.
- Michigan’s win against Arizona was their first since a thrilling overtime match in 1996.
Looking Ahead
The Wolverines will advance to their eighth national title game on April 6, where they are set to face No. 7 UConn. The game will be broadcast live at 8:50 p.m. on TBS. This matchup not only represents a chance for redemption but also highlights the impressive journey Michigan has taken through this tournament.
As Michigan aims to secure their championship, their remarkable achievements in this NCAA Tournament will add to the legacy of a storied program at Filmogaz.com.
