INDIANAPOLIS — This was supposed to be a blockbuster. A showdown. A meeting between two No. 1 seeds that would potentially be a classic.
It was memorable only because of Michigan’s absolute dominance. Arizona, which entered the Final Four with two losses, didn’t belong on the same court as these rampaging Wolverines.
Michigan looked unbeatable, even with Associated Press first-team All-American Yaxel Lendeborg suffering a sprained left ankle and MCL sprain in his knee in the first half.
The result was never in doubt, Michigan cruising to Monday night’s national championship game after this 91-73 beatdown of Arizona inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Coach Dusty May’s team has now won its five tournament games all by at least 13 points, and four of them have been decided by 18 or more. The Wolverines became the first team since 1967-68 UCLA to lead by 15-plus points at halftime in both the Elite Eight and Final Four. That team’s center was some guy named Lew Alcindor.
“Obviously, they have the kryptonite right now,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said. “So that’s going to be a fun thing for me to try to figure out this offseason.”
Lendeborg was limited to 11 points in 12 minutes, and said afterwards the only way he wouldn’t play Monday is if he is unable to walk. His teammates turned his injury into a slight inconvenience.
Aday Mara won his battle against Arizona 7-footer Motiejus Krivas in convincing fashion, notching 26 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Trey McKenney scored 16 points off the bench and New Jersey’s Elliot Cadeau had 13 points and 10 assists as Michigan returned to the title game for the first time since 2018. The Big Ten school was overwhelmed by Villanova that night. Another Big East power will be waiting for them: Connecticut, a 71-62 winner over Illinois earlier Saturday.
“This game was very indicative of how this group has played throughout the season, unselfish basketball.” May said. “A connected group who defends, gets out in transition and then shares the basketball.”
Very little went right for Arizona (36-3). Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley was plagued by foul trouble and was a non-factor. The Wildcats’ two projected first-round draft picks, Koa Peat and Brayden Burries, shot a combined 10-of-34 from the field. Their first trip to the Final Four in 25 years was not one that anyone from Arizona would like to remember. They entered holding the opposing to 27.8 from 3-point range in the tournament, and Michigan changed that, going 12-of-27 from beyond the arc.
Michigan (36-3) led by 16 at halftime despite Lendeborg logging just five minutes, despite shooting 5-of-16 from 3-point range and despite shooting only 41 percent from the field.
The Wolverines raced out to a 16-5 lead and were up 26-10 exactly halfway through the opening half. Arizona was back in the game, within seven on the strength of an 11-2 burst. But with 5:09 remaining, Bradley was called for his third foul. Michigan took over from there, and cruised into the break with a huge lead.
Little changed after halftime. Bradley picked up his fourth foul early, and the Wolverines extended the lead to 22. Even clearly hobbled, Lendeborg hit a pair of 3-pointers.
“During the season we have had some mental lapses during big games, but I think we came out, and we really knew how high the stakes were,” McKenney said. “And we just really wanted to leave it all on the floor. … So I think it just really shows a lot about our team to be able to flip that switch and just push for more in the second half.”
With 13:02 left, Lendeborg gingerly jogged off the court to a huge ovation. Michigan was up 21, and in complete control. Monday night, the Wolverines can complete one of the most dominant runs in tournament history.
