Indianapolis, IN—-What was expected to be a Final Four classic quickly turned into a one-sided showcase, as the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball overwhelmed the Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball 91-73 in dominant fashion.
From the opening minutes, Michigan seized control and never let go, racing out to an early double-digit lead and turning the highly anticipated matchup into a highlight-filled rout. The Wolverines leaned on their physicality, defense, and explosive offense to dismantle one of the nation’s top teams.
Aday Mara delivered the performance of his career, pouring in 26 points and grabbing nine rebounds to lead Michigan’s charge. Even more impressive, the Wolverines built their early momentum without Yaxel Lendeborg, who exited early after rolling his ankle and tweaking his knee.
Despite the scare, Lendeborg returned and contributed 11 points in limited action—and made it clear his focus is already on the championship.
“It’s going to take a full 40 minutes of fighting,” Lendeborg said.
That intensity wasn’t necessary Saturday. Michigan essentially decided the game within the first five minutes, overwhelming Arizona on both ends of the floor. The Wolverines extended their streak of double-digit NCAA Tournament wins and continued an unprecedented offensive run, topping 90 points for the fifth time this tournament.
Head coach Dusty May credited his team’s experience and poise for the commanding performance.
“These guys have such, I guess, extensive background in playing high-profile basketball games,” May said. “We just felt like we are battle-tested.”
Michigan’s defensive strategy proved decisive. By packing the paint and daring Arizona to shoot from the outside, the Wolverines neutralized the Wildcats’ strengths. Arizona struggled to find rhythm all night, shooting just 36% from the field and committing costly turnovers.
“No one has been able to do that to us all year,” said Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd.
Koa Peat led Arizona with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaden Bradley added 13, though much of that came after the outcome was no longer in doubt.
Michigan’s depth and firepower were on full display. Trey McKenney knocked down four three-pointers on his way to 16 points, and Elliot Cadeau filled the stat sheet with 13 points, 10 assists, and strong all-around play.
Lendeborg, describing his injury as “a weird feeling,” left little doubt about his availability moving forward.
“there’s no way I’m missing the game on Monday no matter what goes on.”
Even with the game well in hand late, May kept one eye on history, recalling past tournament comebacks.
“We felt like the game was still in hand,” May said.
Not that it ever truly felt in doubt.
By the final minutes, the only suspense left was whether Michigan would crack the 100-point mark. They fell short of that milestone, but the message was clear long before the final buzzer.
For Arizona, the loss was both decisive and difficult to process.
“It’s tough for me to process this right now,” Peat said.
Michigan now advances to face the UConn Huskies men’s basketball in the national championship, carrying overwhelming momentum—and confidence—into the season’s final game.
