Even with squeaky Yaxel, Michigan blasts Arizona in Final Four thanks to supporting cast

INDIANAPOLIS — A Final Four matchup of high-scoring offenses was instead decided by Michigan’s defense, which held Arizona in check and delivered a 91-73 win to send the Wolverines to Monday night’s national championship game.

The No. 1 Wolverines will meet No. 3 Connecticut, which beat No. 2 Illinois 71-62 in the first national semifinal.

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Michigan won despite the extended absence of All-America forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who battled foul trouble and an apparent lower-body injury and played a season-low 14 minutes. He still managed to score 11 points on 3 of 4 shooting.

More: Why was Dusty May scouting UConn-Illinois ahead of Michigan Final Four game

Without Lendeborg serving as the focal point, the Wolverines leaned on center Aday Mara, who had a career-best 26 points to go with nine rebounds and three blocks. Point guard Elliot Cadeau had 13 points and 10 assists while guard Trey McKenney added 16 points while hitting 6 of 9 attempts.

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Arizona vs Michigan, Final Four championship stakes. See photos

Morez Johnson Jr. #21 of the Michigan Wolverines dunks the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Arizona vs Michigan, Final Four championship stakes. See photos

Morez Johnson Jr. #21 of the Michigan Wolverines dunks the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Arizona vs Michigan, Final Four championship stakes. See photos

Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) scores against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

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Arizona vs Michigan, Final Four championship stakes. See photos

Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts with teammates against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in…

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Publish date : 2026-04-05 03:34:00

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