INDIANAPOLIS — The road ended at Lucas Oil Stadium as UConn and Michigan defeated Illinois and Arizona to reach Monday’s national championship. ESPN’s college basketball crew broke down how each Final Four game was decided and outlined the keys for the title matchup.
Michigan 91, Arizona 73
How Michigan won: Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. set the tone early. Mara delivered a first-half masterclass, finishing with a game-high 26 points on 11-for-16 shooting, plus nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Johnson punished Arizona in transition and on the offensive glass. Michigan’s lead grew as large as 30 in the second half, and Arizona never got closer than 17 thereafter.
In what featured two of the nation’s biggest frontcourts, Michigan won the paint battle and then separated with a rare blend of size, speed and shooting. Arizona — a team that had overwhelmed opponents all season — looked overwhelmed. Michigan matched or outmuscled the Wildcats inside while also creating advantages with pace and perimeter accuracy.
A concern for the Wolverines: All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg left in visible pain in the first half after sustaining an ankle injury on a drive. He made two free throws, went to the locker room and returned in the second half for nine minutes, hitting a pair of 3s but moving gingerly. — Jeff Borzello
No. 1 factor that helped Michigan: The ability to shift gears and reach an elite level few teams can sustain. Michigan’s Elite Eight dismantling of Tennessee — a 33-10 closing run in the first half — showed how dominant the Wolverines can be when everything clicks: size, stifling defense and efficient offense. Against Arizona they built a 16-point halftime lead even while Lendeborg missed much of the first half. When Michigan plays with that combination of physicality and tempo, few opponents can respond. — Myron Medcalf
How Michigan can win the championship: Do more of the same. Michigan’s blueprint is to use its size to control the paint, play tenacious defense and push the tempo. The Wolverines jumped out to a 26-10 edge in the opening 10 minutes against Arizona, catching the Wildcats off guard with a fast, large lineup that can also stretch the floor. UConn will present a talented big 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 the Wolverines a clear path. Lendeborg’s health could alter the outlook; if he’s limited, Michigan’s depth and physicality remain assets. — Medcalf
UConn 71, Illinois 62
How UConn won: Braylon Mullins carried the Huskies late, scoring 15 points and drilling a dagger 3 with 52 seconds left that extended UConn’s lead from four to seven and deflated Illinois’ comeback hopes. UConn led by as many as 14 in the second half and kept Illinois from getting over the hump. The Illini struggled at the rim and were outshot from beyond the arc; UConn made 12 triples — the most in a game in program Final Four history — while Illinois went 6-for-26 from 3. The Huskies advance to their third title game in four years. — Jeff Borzello
No. 1 factor that helped UConn: 3-point shooting. The perimeter battle favored the Huskies in a surprising way. Illinois entered the game among the nation’s leaders in 3s made and 3-point attempt rate but managed only 6-of-26 Saturday. UConn’s trio of Mullins, Alex Karaban and Solo Ball, streaky at times this season, delivered when it mattered: Mullins made four 3s including the late dagger; Ball hit three long balls and scored eight points in a five-minute span early in the second half to extend the lead. Add Tarris Reed Jr.’s efficient first-half play and UConn kept Illinois at arm’s length. — Borzello
How UConn can win the championship: UConn needs contributions from Karaban, Mullins and Reed Jr. and must limit Michigan’s bigs from dominating the rim. The more critical strategic edge: control tempo. UConn plays near the bottom nationally in pace, while Michigan is among the fastest teams. The Huskies’ best bet is to slow the game into a methodical, half-court contest where Michigan’s transition advantages are blunted — especially if Lendeborg isn’t fully healthy. Forcing Michigan to operate in fewer possessions plays into UConn’s strengths and gives the Huskies a better chance to win a low-possession title game. — Medcalf
Relive the Final Four.
