Michigan had its worst game this season. How it still won national title.

INDIANAPOLIS — You wouldn’t think Michigan would be all smiles at halftime.

Yes, it had a four point lead over Connecticut in the national championship game, but it was an unattractive four-point lead. It was arguably the worst first-half performance of the season. Not only did the Wolverines fail to make a single 3-pointer in the first half – the only time that’s happened this season – but there were no makes outside of the paint.

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An awful first 20 minutes, but the Wolverines weren’t just staying positive, they were beaming in happiness.

Why?

“It can’t get any worse,” Michigan guard Nimari Bennett told USA TODAY Sports.

True, but it’s not like the second half was any better. Michigan struggled offensively for all 40 minutes. The 69 points were Michigan’s third lowest of the season. It was the worst 3-point shooting night of the season.

Actually, it was the worst shooting performance of the season, period.

UConn needed to make Michigan look ugly to win. It did that – and it still lost.

So, how did the Wolverines do it?

Because of one thing hiding in plain sight; while Michigan was lighting up the scoreboard with its prolific offense all tournament long, it made everyone forget one thing: they are just as good on defense.

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“When one side lets us down, the other side picks it up,” Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg said.

The Wolverines made sure to remind everybody on Monday, resulting in a national championship as those halftime smiles carried over to after the buzzer sounded and Lucas Oil Stadium rained maize and blue confetti.

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See Michigan Wolverines celebrate their NCAA national championship

With confetti falling and the season reaching its final moment, Michigan stands atop college basketball after delivering on the sport’s biggest stage.

These images capture the celebration, emotion, and relief that followed Michigan’s national championship victory at the Final Four.

Above, the Michigan Wolverines celebrate after defeating the UConn Huskies 69-63 in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in…

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Publish date : 2026-04-07 11:13:00

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