The NCAA Men’s National Championship game is here, as the Connecticut Huskies will battle the Michigan Wolverines. UConn will be looking to continue its impressive post-Sweet-Sixteen winning streak, while Michigan is looking to end a nearly 40-year championship drought. Here is a recap of Saturday night’s Final Four action, and a look into what is on the line for each squad.
The first matchup of the evening featured UConn and the Fight Illini of Illinois. The theme of this contest was the Huskies jumping out in front, but the Fighting Illini doing exactly what its team name suggests. Connecticut had significant scoring droughts in both halves, allowing Illinois to keep fighting its way back into the game. That included getting a 14-point Husky second-half lead down to four.
Ultimately, Connecticut was able to hit enough clutch shots, including a huge late-game three-pointer from Elite Eight hero Braylon Mullins. The Huskies knocked down five out of six free throws after intentional fouls from the Fighting Illini and made their way to the championship game.
The second matchup of the night was not nearly as dramatic, or at least regarding the final score. The Wolverines dominated the Arizona Wildcats, despite early foul trouble and injuries to Yaxel Lendeborg. Michigan came out hot and found themselves up double-digits just over five minutes into the first half. The Wildcats were able to get it down to five, but the Wolverines reasserted their dominance and took a 16-point lead into the locker room.
The second half was essentially more of the same, as numerous Wolverines stepped up while Lendeborg was limited. Aday Mara dominated with 26 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Elliot Cadeau continued as an excellent floor general with ten assists for the second straight game. Lastly, Trey McKenney did exactly what his name would suggest, splashing four three-pointers off the bench in a 16-point effort.
This game was the ultimate team effort, and now Michigan finds itself in the title game for the third time since 2012.
This National Championship Game will be a tale of two completely different stories. The Huskies have won 19 straight games from the Sweet Sixteen and beyond. That means they have either missed the tournament completely, lost before the Sweet Sixteen, or won it all since 2010.
For Michigan, they are looking to capture their first National Championship since the 1988-89 season. That has been the only title for the Wolverines, with losses in their other six appearances in the final game. Lendeborg, who played through the pain and had 11 points himself, said this might be the best Michigan team ever. The ultimate chance to prove that statement true is now here.
The stars from each university’s past were out. Ray Allen, Shabazz Napier, Rip Hamilton, Charlie Villanueva, Ben Gordon, and Emeka Okafor were all present in the crowd for the Huskies. Meanwhile, the Wolverines’ Fab Five, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson, participated in their own broadcast for the matchup.
Will Michigan break the drought, or will UConn continue the streak? Find out on Monday at 8:50 PM EST from Lucas Oil Stadium.
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