Michigan’s march to the national championship continued Saturday night as the Wolverines overwhelmed Arizona 91-73 in the Final Four, with Aday Mara’s career-high 26 points and a suffocating defensive effort compensating for All-American forward Yaxel Lendeborg’s limited 14-minute stint due to foul trouble and an ankle injury.
INDIANAPOLIS — In a game where their All-American forward was severely limited, the Michigan Wolverines leaned on their depth and defense to secure a dominant 91-73 victory over Arizona in the Final Four, advancing to the national championship game. The win, confirmed by Yahoo Sports, highlights Michigan’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.
The Wolverines’ defense held Arizona, a team averaging 86.5 points per game according to USA TODAY Sports, to just 73 points on 36.6% shooting. This defensive masterclass began early, as Michigan built a 26-10 lead despite Yaxel Lendeborg’s absence. The Wildcats, who came in ranked 11th in scoring, were forced into 14 turnovers and struggled to find any offensive rhythm against Michigan’s lengthy frontcourt.
Lendeborg, the All-American forward, played only 14 minutes due to foul trouble and an apparent lower-body injury, as detailed in Yahoo Sports. He picked up two quick fouls and later limped off the court to have his ankle re-taped. After returning to the bench, he was escorted to the locker room before starting the second half. He finished with 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting, but his impact was minimal compared to his usual All-America form.
In his stead, center Aday Mara delivered a career-best 26 points with nine rebounds and three blocks. Point guard Elliot Cadeau orchestrated the offense with 13 points and 10 assists, while guard Trey McKenney contributed 16 points on efficient 6-of-9 shooting. This trio’s performance underscored Michigan’s depth and proved that the team is more than just one star player.
Arizona’s offense sputtered throughout. Forward Koa Peat led the Wildcats with 16 points but struggled on 6-of-18 shooting. The team’s poor efficiency and turnover issues were exacerbated by Michigan’s defensive pressure. Even when Arizona mounted a 13-2 run to cut the deficit to 28-23, Michigan answered immediately with a 7-2 spurt to maintain control and never looked back.
Michigan’s first-half performance was historic. Their 48 points were the most in a national semifinal since North Carolina’s 49 against Villanova in 2009. The Wolverines also set a tone with their defensive stops, limiting Arizona to just 32 points before halftime. Both teams dealt with foul issues, but Michigan’s depth allowed them to weather the storm better.
The second half saw Michigan extend the lead to as many as 27 points. A Lendeborg 3-pointer pushed the advantage to 53-32, and Mara’s dunk made it 64-41 with 14 minutes left. Though the Wolverines fell short of 100 points, their 91 were the program’s most in a semifinal since beating Princeton 94-76 in 1965.
This victory sends Michigan to their seventh national championship game. The Wolverines previously won it all in 1989 and have been runners-up multiple times, including in 2013 and 2018. Now, they await the winner of the UConn vs. Illinois semifinal, with UConn having already advanced to the title game with a 71-62 victory.
For Michigan, this win underscores their defensive identity and team concept. Without Lendeborg, the supporting cast stepped up in the biggest moment, with Mara’s breakout performance signaling a new dimension for the Wolverines. As they prepare for the championship, they carry the momentum of a team that overcame adversity through collective effort and execution.
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