Michigan delivered a ruthless 91-73 win over top-seeded Arizona in the national semifinals, turning a marquee matchup between No. 1 seeds into a one-sided showcase of size, pace, and shot-making. The Wolverines controlled the game from the opening tip and built a lead that reached 30 points before closing out one of the most lopsided Final Four results in recent tournament history.
The victory sends Michigan to Monday night’s title game against UConn with a chance to win its first national championship since 1989. It also added another layer to a remarkable run that has seen the Wolverines overwhelm opponents with physical defense, efficient offense, and enough depth to survive even when key players are not at their sharpest.
Michigan set the tone early
Michigan coach Dusty May entered the night with calm confidence, even spending part of the pregame window scouting the other semifinal in person. His team backed up that trust with a start that immediately put Arizona on the back foot, as the Wolverines matched the Wildcats inside and then stretched the floor with timely 3-point shooting.
The margin showed how sharply Michigan dictated the terms of the game. Arizona had spent much of the season controlling tempo and winning with interior play, but Michigan forced the Wildcats into an uncomfortable fight that never settled into their preferred rhythm.
Lendeborg injury adds concern
The biggest concern for Michigan after the win is the health of All-American forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who left in the first half with a left MCL sprain and an ankle injury after a hard foul on a drive. He returned in the second half and played limited minutes while clearly moving with caution.
Lendeborg’s status will matter against UConn, especially because Michigan has relied heavily on his production and versatility throughout the tournament. Even so, the Wolverines showed they can survive stretches without him by leaning on their frontcourt depth and disciplined execution.
Mara powers Arizona, but not enough
Arizona center Aday Mara produced one of his best games of the season, finishing with 26 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks on 11-for-16 shooting. His size gave Michigan problems at times, and he consistently finished near the rim when Arizona managed to get him touches.
Still, the Wildcats could not match Michigan’s balance. The Wolverines tied Arizona in points in the paint and won the second-chance battle 19-12, while also limiting the Wildcats to 7-for-15 shooting on layups and dunks, according to the game account from ESPN.
Key Numbers From Michigan’s Win
- Michigan scored 91 points and shot its way past Arizona with 12 made 3-pointers.
- The Wolverines scored 26 points off turnovers, the most Arizona had allowed in a game all season.
- Michigan’s 18-point win tied the largest margin in an NCAA tournament game between 1-seeds since seeding began in 1979.
- The Wolverines became the first team in NCAA tournament history to score at least 90 points in five straight games in one tournament.
Arizona never found a rhythm
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said the Wildcats could not settle into their offense and were forced onto their heels from the opening minutes. That problem became even sharper when Jaden Bradley dealt with foul trouble, while Brayden Burries finished with 13 points on 4-for-16 shooting after missing all five of his first-half attempts.
Michigan also took advantage of Arizona’s mistakes and turned them into easy points. The Wolverines repeatedly punished turnovers and used their speed to create advantages in transition, a counterpunch that Arizona never fully solved.
Michigan’s identity showed again
Nimari Burnett said the Wolverines’ rebounding and toughness have been underappreciated, and that physical edge was on display again against a team that had bullied most opponents all season. Michigan’s willingness to play through contact, keep attacking, and move the ball to open shooters made the difference against one of the nation’s elite frontcourts.
Even with Elliot Cadeau struggling to shoot for much of the night, he finished with 10 assists and helped keep the offense moving. That kind of production reflects why Michigan has looked so difficult to stop in tournament play.
Why the result matters
The win gave Michigan a place in the title game and a chance to cap one of the most dominant NCAA tournament runs in recent memory. It also marked a rare blowout at the top of the bracket, with two No. 1 seeds meeting in a game that quickly became a mismatch rather than a classic.
Michigan now turns to UConn with momentum, confidence, and a clear identity built on defense, depth, and relentless pressure in the paint. The Wolverines will also hope that Lendeborg’s injury does not slow a run that has already produced one of the most historically emphatic semifinal wins the tournament has seen.
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