Arizona's Size and Physicality Pose Challenges for Michigan in Final Four

Wolverines head coach Dusty May breaks down the difficulties his team will face against the Wildcats' dominant interior play.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:04pm

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After Michigan's thrashing of Tennessee to reach the Final Four, the Wolverines now face their toughest test yet against Arizona. Head coach Dusty May acknowledged the Wildcats' size, physicality, and offensive rebounding prowess will present major challenges for his team on Saturday. May compared the matchup to a 'heavyweight' battle, noting Arizona's ability to pound the paint and attack the rim will force Michigan to rely on its three-point shooting as an advantage.

Why it matters

This Final Four matchup features two of the top teams in the country, with the winner advancing to the national championship game. Michigan and Arizona have both proven their mettle through tough tournament runs, setting up what should be an intense, physical battle between two evenly matched squads.

The details

Arizona ranks second in the nation in rebounds per game, averaging over 42 per contest. The Wildcats' size and strength, led by 7'2" center Motiejus Krivas, will force Michigan to find ways to neutralize their dominance on the glass and in the paint. May acknowledged the Wolverines' three-point shooting could be a key advantage, but Arizona's ability to attack the rim and create second-chance opportunities will test Michigan's defense.

  • The Final Four matchup between Michigan and Arizona will take place on Saturday.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.

Motiejus Krivas

The 7'2" center for the Arizona Wildcats basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Well, they're fun to watch. They're a lot like us where they have some older guys that have made a lot of sacrifices to win and to be in the position they're in. They're incredibly physical. They run the floor. They pound the paint off the bounce, off the post, especially on the offensive glass.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

“Well, they put pressure on the rim and they attack. And so whenever they can create a good shot, then they take it. They won't take the quick threes that we take, which obviously improves our tempo. But they're a team that lives and thrives inside a three-point line. And so hopefully we'll be able to use our three-point shooting as an advantage this game, but it's also one of the reasons why they're so good on the offensive glass.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

What’s next

The winner of the Michigan-Arizona matchup will advance to the national championship game.

The takeaway

This Final Four clash between Michigan and Arizona features two of the top teams in the country, with the Wolverines' three-point shooting prowess set to be tested by the Wildcats' dominant interior play and offensive rebounding. Dusty May's squad will need to find ways to neutralize Arizona's size and physicality to have a chance at reaching the national title game.