Michigan Wolverines rout Arizona to reach national championship game
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team will return to the national championship for the first time since 2018 after defeating the Arizona Wildcats 91-73 in the Final Four.
Michigan took a 16-point lead midway through the first half and never had to look back. Candidate Mara’s high percentage shooting and Elliott Cadeau’s ability to knock down long-range shots were more than enough for the Wolverines to get the win.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Michigan guard Nimari Burnett celebrates making a basket against Arizona during the first half of the NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four on April 4, 2026 in Indianapolis. (Abbie Parr/AP)
Wolverines star Yaxel Lendeborg picked up two fouls early in the first half and then suffered a tough-looking ankle injury to keep him on the bench at halftime. He started the second half and hit two three-pointers before ending the night.
He looked like he was struggling with pain. He managed to score 11 points, including three 3-pointers, in 14 minutes of play. While he was struggling, Trey McKenney stepped up in a big way.
McKenney was hot from afar. He finished the game with 16 points, shooting 4/6 from 3-point range.
Mara led Michigan with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Cadeau had 13 points and 10 assists.
UCONN’S UNDEFEATED SEASON COLLAPSES AS SOUTH CAROLINA TAKES SWEET REVENGE AGAINST THE reigning CHAMPS
Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg reacts after suffering an injury in the first half of the NCAA tournament semifinal game against Arizona at the Final Four on April 4, 2026 in Indianapolis. (Abbie Parr/AP)
Arizona couldn’t find its rhythm throughout the night, and the continued misses sucked the air out of the building. The Wildcats shot just 37% from the floor.
Wildcats freshman Koa Peat led the team in scoring with 16 points. He also had six rebounds.
Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley scored 13 points each. Motiejus Krivas scored 11 points.
Michigan lost to Jay Wright’s Villanova team in the 2018 national championship. Saturday night’s appearance in the Final Four was their third time since 1993. The team last won a national championship in 1989 when Glen Rice and the Wolverines defeated Seton Hall in overtime.
The Wolverines will face the UConn Huskies in the national championship game on Monday night. The Huskies defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini to earn their championship opportunity.
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley reacts during the first half of the NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game against Michigan at the Final Four on April 4, 2026 in Indianapolis. (Michael Conroy/AP)
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
If UConn wins, it will be the Huskies’ third title in four years.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on X and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
