A champion is here. For just the second time in school history, the Michigan Wolverines are the last team standing in the NCAA Tournament. And looking back, this was a team that always felt destined for this moment.
Entering the title game at No. 1, No. 1 the Wolverines were on a run of pure dominance through the bracket. Opening with a victory against No. 16 Howard, Michigan won every game before the final by 13 or more. Even in the Final Four against No. 1 seed Arizona, Michigan cruised to an 18-point win. But this was nothing new: Over the course of the season, they had numerous blowout wins, most notably three 30-point victories over ranked teams.
Then came Monday night in Indianapolis when, for the first time in the tournament, Michigan was truly tested. Standing across from them was the No. 2 seed: the UConn Huskies, led by Dan Hurley, one of the last coaches you’d want to face in a title game. UConn entered the night 6–0 in national championship games, and Hurley himself had gone back-to-back just two years prior. Add in wins over the No. 1 overall seed Duke and a strong Final Four showing against Illinois, and UConn looked more than ready for the moment.
Early on, it showed, with UConn executing at a high level to open the game. Still, Michigan never let go. Despite failing to hit a single 3-pointer in the first half, the Wolverines still carried a four-point lead into the break.
Michigan came out of the half strong, with their first three of the game at the 12:56 mark giving them a double-digit lead. For the rest of the match, the Wolverines maintained control, even as the Huskies lingered within striking distance. Missed free throws and late turnovers gave UConn chances, but Michigan never broke, closing out a 69–63 victory.
Elliot Cadeau led the way with 19 points on efficient shooting, which helped him earn Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg added a well-earned 13 points while battling through an injured left foot, and Morez Johnson Jr. recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Michigan ‘Monstars’ title seems appropriate for this group that has consistently dominated opponents on both ends of the floor.
In just his second year on the job, Dusty May’s trophy box already consists of the following: NCAA National Championship, Big Ten Tournament Championship, Big Ten Regular Season Championship and Big Ten Coach of the Year. On top of that, he has a record of 64–13 at the school. It’s safe to say that he is now one of the best coaches in the sport and could very well be on his way to more titles.
For a program that waited 37 years between championships, the future has never looked brighter. With May at the helm, Ann Arbor isn’t just celebrating a title, but the beginning of something bigger. This may just be the start.
