Michigan capped an incredible March Madness run with the program's first national championship since 1989


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No. 1 seed Michigan defeated No. 2 seed UConn 69-63 to capture the 2026 national championship on Monday night. It's the second national title in program history for the Wolverines and the first since 1989 after denying the Huskies their third national championship in four seasons. Michigan is the first national champion from the Big Ten since Michigan State in 2000.

The Wolverines captured the title despite a cold start from the 3-point line. Michigan didn't knock down a 3-pointer until there were 12:56 remaining in the second half when guard Elliot Cadeau knocked one down.

Cadeau, a former North Carolina transfer, had one of his best games of the season on the biggest stage in the sport. He finished with 19 points and two assists, while Yaxel Lendeborg added 13 points.

One of the biggest storylines entering this game was injuries on both sides. UConn guard Solo Ball (foot sprain) and Lendeborg (knee) both got the start for their respective teams despite suffering injuries Saturday in the national semifinals. Ball dealt with foul trouble throughout the game and logged just 17 minutes.

UConn star Alex Karaban, a two-time national champion, played his final game with the program after one of the most successful individual careers of the modern era. Karaban helped UConn reach three national title games in four years, with the loss in between coming to eventual national champion Florida in the second round last year.

Michigan becomes the first team since Michigan State (1978-79) to win a national title two or fewer seasons removed from winning less than 10 games. Michigan went 8-24 during the 2023-24 campaign before hiring Dusty May away from Florida Atlantic.

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Posted by Temmy
Tue, April 07, 2026 1:56pm