INDIANAPOLIS — Michigan and UConn closed their Final Four runs at Lucas Oil Stadium, dispatching Arizona and Illinois respectively to set up Monday’s national championship. Each team relied on distinct strengths: Michigan’s size, speed and balanced attack; UConn’s perimeter shooting and late-game poise. Here’s how each semifinal unfolded and what it suggests for the title matchup.
Michigan 91, Arizona 73 What happened: Michigan dominated inside and on the break, building a lead that ballooned to as much as 30 in the second half and never letting Arizona get closer than 17 after that point. Aday Mara led the way with a first-half showcase, finishing with a game-high 26 points on 11-for-16 shooting along with nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Morez Johnson Jr. punished Arizona in transition and on the offensive glass, helping Michigan impose its will.
Why Michigan won: In a matchup between two of the country’s biggest frontcourts, Michigan won the paint battle and stretched the game with a rare combination of size, speed and shooting. The Wolverines matched Arizona physically and then used pace and perimeter accuracy to create separation. Arizona, a team that had steamro
