Michigan Tops UConn to Capture Second National Championship in Program History

Elliot Cadeau’s MVP performance powers Wolverines to 69–63 win in Indianapolis, capping historic 37-win season and Big Ten resurgence

INDIANAPOLIS | The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball delivered a statement finish to a historic season Monday night, defeating the UConn Huskies men's basketball 69–63 at Lucas Oil Stadium to secure the program’s second national championship.

Led by Most Outstanding Player Elliot Cadeau, Michigan capped a dominant 37–3 campaign — a program record that ties the Big Ten’s all-time single-season wins mark — while delivering the conference its first NCAA title since 2000.

From the opening tip, Michigan controlled the tempo, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive stops. Cadeau’s aggressive playmaking set the tone early, combining with Morez Johnson Jr. to fuel a first-half surge that gave the Wolverines a 33–29 lead at the break.

The second half saw Michigan create separation behind clutch performances from Nimari Burnett and Yaxel Lendeborg. A decisive stretch midway through the half — highlighted by Cadeau’s three-point play and back-to-back scoring possessions — extended the Wolverines’ lead to double digits and forced UConn into a defensive scramble.

Despite a late push by the Huskies, who trimmed the deficit to within striking distance in the final minute, Michigan remained composed. Free throws from Trey McKenney sealed the victory, sending the Maize and Blue faithful into celebration.

Cadeau finished with a game-high 19 points and earned tournament MVP honors, while Lendeborg added 13 points. Johnson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring Michigan’s interior presence. Defensively, the Wolverines disrupted UConn’s rhythm throughout, holding the Huskies scoreless during key stretches that proved decisive.

The championship crowns a season of dominance under head coach Dusty May, who guided Michigan to both the Big Ten regular-season title (19–1) and national glory. The Wolverines also swept major conference honors, with Lendeborg named the Big Ten Player of the Year and Aday Mara the Defensive Player of the Year.

For Michigan, the victory places the 2025–26 squad alongside the legendary 1988–89 team in program lore — a championship run defined by resilience, depth, and championship poise on the sport’s biggest stage.

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-- By Lakisha Brown

James A. Wright contributed to this article.

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