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 steamrolled opponents much of the season, looked outmatched by Michigan’s blend of athletic frontcourt play and floor spacing.
In-game concern: All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg suffered an ankle injury on a drive and left visible pain in the first half. He returned in the second half after making two free throws, played about nine minutes, and knocked down a pair of 3s, though he appeared to be moving gingerly.
Key factor: Michigan’s ability to flip into an elite gear. Their Elite Eight win over Tennessee featured a devastating 33-10 closing run in the first half and illustrated how dominant the Wolverines can be when size, defense and efficient offense align. Against Arizona they led by 16 at halftime even with Lendeborg limited early; when Michigan plays with that physicality and tempo, few teams can respond.
How Michigan can win the title: Stick to the blueprint. Michigan’s best path is to use its size to control the paint, play scrappy defense and push the pace. They jumped to a 26-10 lead in the opening 10 minutes against Arizona by deploying a fast, big lineup that still spaces the floor. UConn will present a capable interior defender in Tarris Reed Jr., but Michigan’s mix of 3-point threats and athletic bigs who can run, defend multiple levels and finish inside gives them a clear strategy. Lendeborg’s mobility will be a factor; if he’s limited, Michigan’s depth and physicality remain major advantages.
UConn 71, Illinois 62
What happened: UConn advanced behind timely perimeter shooting and a late push from Braylon Mullins. Mullins scored 15 points and buried a critical 3-pointer with 52 seconds left that stretched the lead from four to seven and essentially sealed the Huskies’ victory. UConn led by as many as 14 in the second half and never allowed Illinois to complete a sustained comeback.
Why UConn won: The Huskies won the three-point battle in a surprising way. UConn buried 12 triples — the most they’ve made in a Final Four game in program history — while Illinois managed only 6-for-26 from beyond the arc despite entering the game as one of the nation’s premier long-range shooting teams. Mullins, Alex Karaban and Solo Ball, who have been streaky at times this season, delivered when it mattered: Mullins hit four 3s overall, Ball knocked down three and scored eight points in a five-minute stretch early in the second half, and Karaban provided steady scoring. Tarris Reed Jr. also gave UConn efficient play inside in the first half, helping keep Illinois at arm’s length.
Key factor: UConn’s perimeter accuracy. Neutralizing Illinois’ usually potent 3-point attack while converting their own opportunities shifted the game toward the Huskies and away from the Illini’s strengths at the rim.
How UConn can win the title: UConn’s path is to keep Michigan out of easy transition opportunities and make this a deliberate, lower-possession game. The Huskies are among the slowest teams nationally in pace; Michigan is one of the fastest. If UConn can control tempo, lean on scoring from Karaban, Mullins and Reed Jr., and limit Michigan’s bigs from dominating the rim, they increase their chances. Forcing Michigan into half-court possessions and taking the sting out of their transition advantages is the strategic edge UConn will pursue — especially if Lendeborg isn’t at full strength.
Bottom line: Michigan’s combination of size, speed and efficient offense carried them past Arizona, while UConn’s hot shooting and late-game execution overcame Illinois. Monday’s title game will be a clash of styles: Michigan’s physical, up-tempo attack versus UConn’s methodical, perimeter-driven approach. Whoever controls tempo and executes their game plan will likely lift the trophy.
