INDIANAPOLIS — Michigan’s transfer‑powered lineup delivered the program’s first national championship since 1989, grinding past UConn 69-63 in a physical, defensive battle that looked nothing like the Wolverines’ high‑scoring run through March.
Coach Dusty May’s group, dubbed the new Fab Five, won with toughness instead of style. Michigan made only two three‑pointers all night but controlled the final minutes with timely shot‑making and near‑perfect free‑throw shooting.
Elliot Cadeau, named the Final Four’s most outstanding player, led Michigan with 19 points and hit the team’s first three more than seven minutes into the second half. Freshman Trey McKenney delivered the dagger from deep with 1:50 remaining, pushing the lead to nine
UConn, seeking a third national title in four seasons, refused to fold. Solo Ball banked in a late three, and Alex Karaban’s deep attempt with 17 seconds left nearly cut the deficit to one. But Michigan closed the door at the free‑throw line, finishing 25-for-28.
The Huskies shot just 30.9 percent, their fourth straight opponent held to a season low by Michigan’s defense. Braylon Mullins, the hero of UConn’s Elite Eight win, finished 4-for-17 despite two late threes that kept the game alive.
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Massive foul trouble and cold perimeter shooting kept UConn from ever finding rhythm. Still, the Huskies dominated the offensive glass 22-12 and stayed within striking distance until the final seconds.
Michigan’s Transfer Core Completes a Historic Season
Michigan’s starting five — all transfers except Nimari Burnett — proved once again that May’s portal‑built roster could win at the highest level. Yaxel Lendeborg, battling knee and foot injuries, fought through a difficult shooting night to add 13 points.
The Wolverines had scored 90 or more in every tournament game before the final. On Monday, they won with grit instead of fireworks.
May praised his team’s resilience, noting how one side of the ball always compensated when the other faltered. The Wolverines’ ability to adapt, defend, and close games defined their championship run.
A Big Ten Sweep and a Long‑Awaited Celebration
Michigan’s win capped a landmark year for the Big Ten, which swept football and basketball titles after Indiana’s national championship on the gridiron and UCLA’s women’s basketball crown.
For Michigan fans, the victory delivered what the original Fab Five never could: a national title. Jalen Rose and Chris Webber celebrated the moment on social media, calling the Wolverines champions and praising the team’s toughness.
As the confetti fell in Indianapolis, Michigan’s players embraced the identity critics gave them — a group of so‑called mercenaries who became one of the hardest‑working teams in college basketball.
