Michigan Wins Second National Title with Gritty Victory Over UConn

The Wolverines' transfer-heavy lineup overcomes poor shooting to defeat the Huskies 69-63 in the NCAA championship game.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a basketball game, with the players' forms fractured into sharp, overlapping shapes in shades of blue, white, and yellow.Michigan's transfer-led lineup overcomes poor shooting to grind out a gritty victory over UConn in the NCAA championship game.Indianapolis Today

Michigan's starting five, composed of five transfers, muscled their way to the program's second national title with a 69-63 victory over UConn in the NCAA championship game. Despite struggling from the field, making only two 3-pointers all night, the Wolverines relied on their defense and free-throw shooting to hold off the Huskies. Elliot Cadeau, the Final Four's most outstanding player, led Michigan with 19 points.

Why it matters

This championship marks Michigan's second national title, the first coming in 1989 before the famous Fab Five era. The victory also ends a 22-year drought for the Big Ten conference, which last won a men's basketball title in 2000 with Michigan State. Michigan's success this season has been fueled by a roster of transfers, showcasing the impact of the transfer portal in college basketball.

The details

Michigan's starting lineup, composed of five transfers, grinded out a tough victory over a stingy UConn team. The Wolverines only made two 3-pointers all night but shot 25-for-28 from the free-throw line to secure the win. Elliot Cadeau, the Final Four's most outstanding player, led Michigan with 19 points, including the team's first 3-pointer of the game. UConn fought hard, outrebounding Michigan 22-12 on the offensive glass, but struggled with foul trouble and poor shooting, missing their first 11 3-point attempts in the second half.

  • Michigan won its second national title on April 7, 2026.
  • The Big Ten conference's last men's basketball title was in 2000 with Michigan State.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, who led the team to its second national championship.

Elliot Cadeau

The Final Four's most outstanding player, who led Michigan with 19 points in the championship game.

Trey McKenney

A freshman for Michigan who hit a crucial 3-pointer late in the game to help seal the victory.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A graduate transfer from UAB who was Michigan's best player but struggled with injuries, finishing with 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, whose team fell short of winning their third title in four seasons.

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What they’re saying

“These guys have done it all year. When one side of the ball has let us down, the other side has picked it up. Our togetherness defensively ultimately got us over the hump.”

— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach

“How are you disappointed at all in your group? These guys have 22 offensive rebounds versus that group of 'mon-stars' out there. So, proud of the guys.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

“Nobody cared about stats the whole season. Nobody cared about nothing but winning. I'm just glad to be part of that.”

— Elliot Cadeau, Michigan Player

What’s next

The Wolverines will look to defend their national title next season, while UConn will aim to bounce back and make another run at the championship.

The takeaway

Michigan's championship victory showcases the power of a transfer-heavy roster and the importance of team chemistry and defensive intensity, even when the shots aren't falling. The Wolverines' gritty performance ended the Big Ten's 22-year title drought and cemented their place as one of the top programs in college basketball.