Michigan basketball is back on top. The Wolverines defeated stubborn UConn 69-63 on Monday night in Indianapolis to claim the programs second national championship, and first since 1989.

This years team, built largely through the transfer portal, did something the legendary Fab Five never accomplished. They brought home the trophy.

A Gritty Victory

It was not a pretty game. Michigan missed its first 11 three-pointers and finished just 2-for-15 from beyond the arc. But defense and determination carried the day.

Elliot Cadeau led the Wolverines with 19 points, including the teams first three-pointer, which came seven minutes into the second half. Freshman Trey McKenney hit the second three with under two minutes remaining, a dagger that gave Michigan a nine-point cushion.

These guys have done it all year, Coach Dusty May said after the game. When one side of the ball has let us down, the other side has picked us up.

Defense Wins Championships

The Wolverines held UConn to just 30.9% shooting, marking the fourth straight game in which Michigan held its opponent to a season-low field goal percentage.

Even with star player Yaxel Lendeborg battling knee and foot injuries, finishing with just 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting, the team found a way to win.

If youd told me we would shoot it this poorly and be dominated on the glass and still find a way to win, I dont know if I would have believed you, May said. This team just found a way all season.

UConn Would Not Quit

The Huskies fought until the final seconds. Solo Ball banked in a three-pointer to cut the deficit to four with 37 seconds left. After two missed Michigan free throws, UConns Alex Karaban had a look at a three that would have cut it to one, but barely grazed the rim.

UConn outrebounded Michigan 22-12 on the offensive glass and made the Wolverines earn every possession.

Celebration Time

Not until McKenney sank two free throws, bringing Michigans free-throw shooting to 25-for-28 on the night, could the Wolverines (37-3) finally celebrate.

The victory marks Michigans second national title, joining the 1989 championship. That victory came a few years before the Fab Five arrived and made back-to-back Final Four appearances, but never captured the ultimate prize.

This team, built differently through transfers and led by a first-year head coach, got it done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was Michigans last national championship before this?
A: Michigans first and only other national championship came in 1989. The famed Fab Five teams of the early 1990s reached the championship game twice but fell short both times.

Q: Who is the head coach of this years Michigan team?
A: Dusty May, who took over as head coach before this season and led the Wolverines to a 37-3 record and the national title in his first year.

Q: How was this Michigan team built?
A: Unlike traditional recruiting classes, this team was largely assembled through the transfer portal. The starting lineup featured five transfer players who came together to form a championship squad.