Michigan takes down UConn for program’s first title since 1989

Story by

Lorenzo J Reyna, ClutchPoints

Tue, Apr 7, 2026 ·

2 min read

Michigan takes down UConn for program’s first title since 1989 appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Michigan basketball faced a 37-year title dry spell before tangling with UConn . The Wolverines snapped it by beating a gritty Huskies team 69-63 on Monday in Indianapolis for the national championship.

Michigan forced the Huskies to misfire from behind the arc in prevailing. UConn hit only 27.3% of its 3-pointers after a hot start and settled for 30.9% shooting.

The Wolverines sparked multiple reactions online after winning their first championship on the hardwood since 1989. Including one praising Dusty May and his journey to national champion head coach .

“Congrats to former Indiana student manager Dusty May on winning the National Championship! Basketball managers are the backbone of every successful program!” posted NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints on X, formerly Twitter.

Fans showered May with love afterward . He’s now the fifth head coach in NCAA basketball history to win the title through his first two seasons at a school.

College basketball reporter Jaden Daly captured this scene inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Michigan felt the love from home too via the Detroit Pistons.

The Detroit Lions chimed in too with three clapping emojis for the champs .

Guard Elliot Cadeau took home the outstanding player honor after the win. The 6-foot-1 junior dropped 19 points while facing intense perimeter pressure from the Huskies. Cadeau even overcame an allergic reaction before facing Arizona and UConn.

Center Aday Mara established himself as the defensive force and drew praise from former Michigan coach John Beilein . Forward Yaxel Lendeborg overcame an ankle ailment and “awful” first half to score 13 points.

Michigan hit one more historic mark per ESPN Insights: First championship team since the 1990 UNLV Rebels to average 90+ points during the run to the national title.