INDIANAPOLIS — Michigan and UConn secured their spots in Monday's national championship game with decisive Final Four victories at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday.
Michigan overwhelmed top-seeded Arizona 91-73 in a game where the Wolverines' size and transition game proved too much for the Wildcats. Freshman Aday Mara led the charge with a game-high 26 points on 11-for-16 shooting, adding 9 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Morez Johnson Jr. complemented Mara's performance by beating Arizona down the floor and finishing in transition while crashing the offensive glass. The Wolverines built a lead that ballooned to as many as 30 points midway through the second half.
Michigan's victory came despite concern over the availability of All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg, who sustained an ankle injury in the first half after getting fouled on a drive to the rim. Lendeborg returned to play nine minutes in the second half, making two three-pointers while moving gingerly.
In the nightcap, UConn advanced to its third national championship game in four years with a 71-62 victory over Illinois. Braylon Mullins, who sent the Huskies to the Final Four, delivered again with a dagger three-pointer with 52 seconds remaining that pushed UConn's lead from four to seven points.
The Huskies led by as many as 14 points in the second half, with Illinois failing to get over the hump and challenge for the lead. UConn set a program record with 12 three-pointers while Illinois struggled from deep, shooting just 6-for-26 from beyond the arc.
Monday's championship matchup will feature two programs with contrasting recent histories. Michigan seeks its first national title since 1989, while UConn looks to add to its storied championship tradition. The health of Lendeborg and Michigan's ability to maintain their dominant interior play against UConn's defense will be key factors in determining the 2026 national champion.
