Michigan advanced to the NCAA men’s basketball national championship with a 91–73 win over Arizona on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Wolverines (36–3) will face UConn on Monday after the Huskies defeated Illinois in the earlier semifinal.
Michigan established control early, using defensive pressure and transition opportunities to build a quick double‑digit lead. Junior center Aday Mara led the Wolverines with a career‑high 26 points and nine rebounds, helping them take a 48–32 halftime advantage.
Arizona, also 36–3 entering the game, struggled to generate consistent offense. The Wildcats were limited to 6-of-17 shooting from three‑point range and had difficulty scoring inside against Michigan’s size. Michigan, meanwhile, made 12 of 27 attempts from beyond the arc.
Yaxel Lendeborg contributed 11 points in 14 minutes before leaving with ankle and knee injuries. He later indicated he expects to be available for the championship game. Head coach Dusty May noted the team’s consistency, as Michigan has now recorded five consecutive double‑digit wins in the tournament, each with at least 90 points.
Arizona’s Koa Peat finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Ivan Kharchenkov said Michigan’s strong start created a deficit the Wildcats were unable to overcome.
Michigan now prepares for UConn in a matchup between two teams that have been among the tournament’s most effective throughout March.