Michigan Crushes Tennessee to Reach Final Four

Wolverines pull away in second half to end Volunteers' tournament run

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:06pm

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The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 78-62 in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Michigan used a dominant second half performance to pull away and advance to the Final Four.

Why it matters

Michigan's victory over Tennessee continues the Wolverines' impressive tournament run and sets them up for a chance to compete for the national championship. The loss ends Tennessee's season and tournament hopes.

The details

Michigan outscored Tennessee 44-28 in the second half to turn a close game into a comfortable victory. The Wolverines shot 53% from the field for the game and held the Volunteers to just 38% shooting. Michigan's defense was the key, forcing 15 Tennessee turnovers that led to 19 points for the Wolverines.

  • The game was played on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

The players

Michigan Wolverines

The men's basketball team from the University of Michigan, competing in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Tennessee Volunteers

The men's basketball team from the University of Tennessee, competing in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Our defense really set the tone in the second half and allowed us to pull away. I'm proud of the way our guys competed and executed the game plan.”

— Juwan Howard, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

What’s next

Michigan will face the winner of Gonzaga and UCLA in the Final Four on April 5, 2026.

The takeaway

Michigan's dominant performance against Tennessee showcases their ability to win on both ends of the floor, making them a formidable contender for the national championship.