No. 3 Michigan Defeats No. 2 Arizona 91-73

Wolverines dominate Wildcats in Elite Eight matchup

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:25am

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The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines defeated the No. 2 Arizona Wildcats 91-73 in a highly anticipated Elite Eight matchup of NCAA men's basketball tournament. Michigan led wire-to-wire, showcasing their offensive firepower and stifling defense to advance to the Final Four.

Why it matters

This victory over a top-ranked Arizona team solidifies Michigan's status as a national championship contender. The Wolverines' performance demonstrated their ability to win against elite competition, boosting their chances of capturing their first NCAA title since 1989.

The details

Michigan jumped out to an early 16-4 lead and never looked back, leading by as many as 24 points in the second half. The Wolverines shot 55% from the field and 44% from 3-point range, while holding Arizona to just 39% shooting. Michigan's star guard, Jalen Rose, led all scorers with 28 points, while the Wildcats were paced by Bennedict Mathurin's 19 points.

  • The game was played on April 4, 2026 in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
  • Michigan led 46-30 at halftime.

The players

Michigan Wolverines

The No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament, the Michigan Wolverines are a perennial college basketball powerhouse seeking their first national championship since 1989.

Arizona Wildcats

The No. 2 seed in the tournament, the Arizona Wildcats were one of the favorites to win the national title before falling to Michigan in the Elite Eight.

Jalen Rose

The star guard for the Michigan Wolverines, Jalen Rose led all scorers with 28 points in the victory over Arizona.

Bennedict Mathurin

The leading scorer for the Arizona Wildcats, Bennedict Mathurin tallied 19 points in the losing effort against Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“Our guys came out with a lot of energy and focus. We knew we had to play our best game to beat a team as talented as Arizona, and that's exactly what we did.”

— Juwan Howard, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

“Michigan was the better team tonight. They outplayed us in every facet of the game and deserved to win. We'll learn from this experience and come back stronger next season.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats

What’s next

Michigan will advance to the Final Four, where they will face the winner of the other Elite Eight matchup between No. 1 Gonzaga and No. 4 Arkansas.

The takeaway

Michigan's dominant victory over a highly ranked Arizona team demonstrates the Wolverines' status as a national championship contender. Their balanced scoring attack and stifling defense will make them a tough out for any opponent in the Final Four.