Michigan wins the national championship
Smith misses a layup, Michigan gets the rebound and flings it down the court. Ball game.
Halftime: UConn 29-33 Michigan
Michigan shot badly (38%, 13% on 3-pointers), but UConn was no better (31%, 27% on 3s). Michigan blocked six shots, and their big front line affected several other shots.
As May mentioned, UConn had the rebounding edge, 46-39. Reed and Karaban both had double-doubles – Reed 13 and 14, Karaban 17 and 11.
The biggest difference was Michigan driving toward the basket and drawing fouls, then hitting those free throws – 25 of 28, and two of those misses were by one person in the last minute. UConn, on the other hand, relied on perimeter shooting – nearly half their shots were from behind the arc.
Elliot Cadeau is surely the MVP of this game, finishing with 19 points, 2 assists (but seemed like more) and 2 steals.
Lendeborg, who battled through injury and played 36 minutes, says his teammates never gave up on him. The box score says he shot 4 for 13, but his impact was immeasurable.
The Wolverines are worthy champions all the way around. UConn scrapped and fought like always, but Michigan just made too many good plays and kept their nerve at the free-throw line.
There were no incidents in the postgame handshake. And no apparent ill will. Hurley complained about call after call but didn’t seem the least bit aggrieved with the opponents.
Michigan coach Dusty May: “If you told me we’d shoot this poorly and be dominated on the glass and still win …”
Lendeborg, Michigan’s star player who battled injury, states that his team’s support never wavered. Despite a less than stellar shooting record, his influence on the game was significant.
The Wolverines proved to be a deserving champion in the face of UConn’s relentless efforts. Despite UConn’s determined performance, Michigan’s strategic plays and composure at the free-throw line secured their victory.
Michigan’s victory in the national championship game was sealed when Smith missed a layup, allowing Michigan to secure the rebound and make a decisive play down the court.
