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Michigan Tops UConn 69–63 to Capture 2026 National Championship

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Indianapolis, IN – The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament came to a thrilling conclusion at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where the Michigan Wolverines outlasted the Connecticut Huskies 69–63 to claim their first national championship in over three decades. In a game that lived up to its billing, both teams traded blows for 40 minutes, but Michigan’s poise  and timely execution down the stretch proved to be the difference.

Junior guard Elliot Cadeau once again rose to the occasion, leading the Wolverines with 19 points and orchestrating the offense with the composure of a seasoned veteran. Cadeau’s ability to control tempo and make plays in key moments was instrumental in keeping UConn’s defense off balance. His leadership throughout the tournament had been a defining factor in Michigan’s run, and on the biggest stage, he delivered once more. Forward Morez Johnson provided the interior presence Michigan needed, recording a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. His physicality on the boards and defensive effort against UConn’s frontcourt helped the Wolverines withstand several second-half surges. Meanwhile, Yaxel Lendeborg, the team’s All-American forward, battled through ankle and knee injuries to contribute 13 points. Though not at full strength, Lendeborg’s toughness and ability to hit mid-range shots gave Michigan a crucial offensive boost.

For UConn, the loss ended their bid for a historic third national title in four years — a feat not accomplished since John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty of the 1970s. The Huskies entered the game with a chance to cement their place among college basketball’s modern powerhouses, but Michigan’s defensive discipline and rebounding edge proved too much to overcome. Alex Karaban led the Huskies with 17 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his versatility and effort on both ends of the floor. Tarris Reed added 13 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring UConn’s interior attack and keeping them within striking distance throughout the contest. Braylon Mullins, who had been one of UConn’s most reliable perimeter threats all season, struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with 11 points on 4-of-17 shooting.

The game itself was a showcase of high-level basketball — physical, tactical, and filled with momentum swings. Neither team led by more than eight points at any stage, and the intensity never wavered. Michigan’s defense, which had been a hallmark of its tournament run, held UConn to just 39% shooting from the field and limited their transition opportunities. In the final minutes, Cadeau’s steady hand guided Michigan through the pressure. With the Wolverines clinging to a narrow lead, he hit a crucial pull-up jumper with just over a minute remaining, extending the margin to five. UConn had chances to respond, but Michigan’s defense forced contested shots and secured key rebounds.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Wolverines bench erupted, celebrating a long-awaited return to college basketball’s summit. The victory also marked a significant moment for the Big Ten Conference, which had endured a national title drought since Michigan State’s championship in 2000. For years, the league had produced strong team’s and deep tournament runs but had fallen short. Michigan’s triumph not only ended that streak but also reaffirmed the program’s place among the sport’s elite. As confetti rained down inside Lucas Oil Stadium,  coaches and players embraced, knowing they had etched their names into Michigan basketball history. The Wolverines’ blend of veteran leadership, defensive toughness, and unselfish play carried them through one of the most competitive tournaments in recent memory. For UConn, the loss was a bitter end to another remarkable season, but their sustained excellence over the past four years remains undeniable. For Michigan, it was a night of redemption and resilience,  

This article was written by Andrew Keeling of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Michigan, UConn Advance to NCAA Title Game

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Indianapolis, IN – The Final Four of the NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium delivered everything college basketball fans could hope for — intensity, star performances, and the promise of a heavyweight National Championship matchup. UConn and Michigan emerged victorious, each showcasing the balance, depth, and poise that define championship-caliber teams.

In the opener UConn’s pursuit of another national title continued with a hard-fought 71–62 win over Illinois. The Huskies, appearing in their third Final Four in four years, once again demonstrated why they’ve become the standard of consistency in college basketball. From the opening tip, UConn dictated the tempo, using its size and defensive discipline to limit Illinois’ transition opportunities. Tarris Reed Jr. was the anchor for the Huskies, delivering a commanding performance inside with 17 points and 11 rebounds. His presence on both ends of the floor set the tone, as he controlled the glass and provided timely scoring in the paint. Braylon Mullins, the sharpshooting guard, gave UConn a crucial perimeter boost, knocking down four three-pointers and finishing with 15 points. His ability to stretch the floor opened driving lanes for teammates and forced Illinois to adjust defensively. Solo Ball added 13 points, attacking the rim with confidence and providing steady playmaking throughout the game.

Despite UConn’s control, Illinois refused to fold. The Illini, led by freshman sensation Keaton Wagler, battled back multiple times to keep the game within reach. Wagler showcased his versatility and composure, scoring a team-high 20 points while grabbing 8 rebounds. His ability to create his own shot against UConn’s tough defense was impressive for a first-year player on such a big stage. Tomislav Ivisic added 16 points and 7 rebounds, using his size and touch around the basket to challenge UConn’s frontcourt. Andrej Stojakovic contributed 9 points and 8 rebounds, providing hustle plays and defensive effort that kept Illinois competitive. UConn’s defense, however, proved to be the difference. The Huskies held Illinois to under 40% shooting and limited the Ilini to only three assists in the game. They also forced key turnovers late in the second half. Every time Illinois threatened to close the gap, UConn responded with timely baskets or defensive stops. The Huskies’ experience in high-pressure moments showed, as they maintained composure and executed down the stretch. The win sends UConn back to the National Championship game for the third time in four years — a remarkable feat that underscores the program’s sustained excellence.

The second semifinal featured a surprising but emphatic result, as Michigan dominated Arizona 91–73 to earn its spot in the title game. From the opening minutes, the Wolverines played with confidence and precision, jumping out to an early lead and never relinquishing control. Aday Mara was the star of the night, delivering a near-perfect performance with 26 points and 9 rebounds. The 7-foot center was unstoppable in the paint, finishing through contact and controlling the boards. His footwork and touch around the rim gave Arizona’s defense fits all game long. Point guard Elliot Cadeau orchestrated the offense masterfully, finishing with 13 points and 10 assists. His court vision and pace kept Michigan’s offense flowing, and his ability to push the tempo created easy scoring opportunities in transition. All-American forward Yaxel Lendeborg, limited to 15 minutes due to an ankle injury, added 11 points, providing energy and defensive versatility that helped Michigan maintain its edge. Michigan’s offensive execution was nearly flawless. The Wolverines shot efficiently from the field, shared the ball unselfishly, and punished Arizona for every defensive lapse. Their spacing and ball movement created open looks, and their bench contributed valuable minutes to sustain the momentum.

For Arizona, the loss was a disappointing end to an otherwise strong season. Koa Peat led the Wildcats with 16 points and 11 rebounds but shot only 6-of-18 from the field. Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley each scored 13 points, trying to keep Arizona within striking distance but Burries was an inefficient 4-of-16 from the field. Tobe Awaka added 8 points and 9 rebounds.

However, Arizona struggled to contain Michigan’s interior attack and couldn’t match the Wolverines’ pace. Michigan’s defense also deserves credit. The Wolverines limited Arizona’s perimeter shooting and forced them into contested mid-range attempts. Their ability to switch defensively and protect the rim disrupted Arizona’s rhythm, allowing Michigan to control the game from start to finish.

**Looking Ahead: UConn vs. Michigan – The National Championship**

The stage is now set for a thrilling National Championship matchup between UConn and Michigan — two programs with rich histories and elite talent. UConn brings experience, balance, and championship pedigree, while Michigan arrives with momentum and confidence after dismantling Arizona. The battle inside between Tarris Reed Jr. and Aday Mara promises to be a focal point, as both big men have been dominant throughout the tournament. The perimeter play — Mullins and Ball for UConn, Cadeau and Lendeborg for Michigan — will likely determine the tempo and flow of the game. With both teams peaking at the right time, the championship clash at Lucas Oil Stadium has all the makings of a classic — a fitting conclusion to a memorable college basketball season.

This article was written by Andrew Keeling, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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St. John’s Wins Second Straight Big East Tournament Title

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – On the final day of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, the conferences’s two top teams squared off in what many expected to be an instant classic. Instead, it was the St. John’s Red Storm who controlled the game from start to finish, dominating UConn for the full 40 minutes to secure back-to-back Big East Tournament championships. The Johnnies never surrendered the lead, and the Huskies never truly looked like they had a chance to mount a comeback, as the game ended in a decisive 72–52 victory for St. John’s.

Similar to St. John’s previous two games in the tournament, attacking the paint was once again a major point of emphasis. A key part of that approach was consistently feeding the ball to the low block, where Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player Zuby Ejiofor made a significant impact. The senior big man finished with 18 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting from the field, while also knocking down two three-pointers.

Ejiofor wasn’t the only one finding success inside. Bryce Hopkins also showcased impressive back-to-the-basket ability, using polished footwork to create space and convert several heavily contested shots around the rim. Hopkins matched Ejiofor’s scoring output, finishing with 18 points of his own on an efficient 7-of-9 from the field.

To add to the Red Storm’s strong offensive performance, they were just as dominant on the defensive end. St. John’s held the Huskies to a stifling 34% from the field and forced 17 turnovers, disrupting nearly everything UConn tried to run, from what looked like clean entry passes to blowing up dribble handoffs. Leading the defensive effort was none other than Zuby Ejiofor. He finished with 3 steals and an impressive 7 blocks, protecting the rim and giving the Huskies nothing easy in the paint. Dylan Darling also made a major impact defensively, matching Ejiofor’s steal total with 3 of his own. Darling did an excellent job reading ball handlers, timing their dribble cadence perfectly and picking their pockets at key moments.

The lone bright spot for the Huskies in this game was senior big man Tarris Reed. Reed finished with 17 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field while adding 7 rebounds. Similar to St. John’s approach with Ejiofor, UConn made a concerted effort to get the ball down low and take advantage of the Reed–Ejiofor matchup. Reed did a solid job using his size and strength to back Ejiofor down and convert several easy hook shots around the rim.

Despite Reed’s strong performance, it was difficult for the Huskies to keep pace while shooting just 16% from three-point range. UConn’s typical perimeter threats—Solo Ball, Braylon Mullins, and Alex Karaban—struggled throughout the game, combining to shoot just 2-of-14 from beyond the arc.

With the Big East Tournament now complete, the attention quickly shifts to Selection Sunday, where the conference’s postseason picture will officially come into focus. St. John’s, UConn, and Villanova are all expected to hear their names called, and the biggest question now becomes where each team will land in the NCAA Tournament bracket. After St. John’s dominant run through Madison Square Garden, the Red Storm will look to carry that momentum into The Big Dance, while UConn and Villanova await their seeding as they prepare for the next stage of the postseason.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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UConn and St. John’s Advance to Big East Tournament Final

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – Friday’s semifinals of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden featured two teams that firmly controlled their matchups from start to finish. Although the final score may suggest a closer game, St. John’s largely dominated from the opening tip, rarely taking its foot off the gas on the way to a 78–68 victory over the Seton Hall Pirates.The second semifinal followed a similar script, as UConn never surrendered the lead against Georgetown, cruising to a 67–51 win to punch its ticket to the championship game.

St. John’s entered their game with a clear plan: attack the paint. Early and often in the first half, the Johnnies fed Zuby Ejiofor and Dillon Mitchell on the block, where both were able to finish with ease. When the initial shot didn’t fall, they frequently drew contact and earned trips to the free-throw line. Ejiofor (20 points), Mitchell (13 points), and Bryce Hopkins (13 points) combined for 46 of St. John’s 78 points, consistently applying pressure on Seton Hall’s interior defense.

For Seton Hall, much like in the quarterfinal round, the Pirates were led by Budd Clark and Jacob Dar. Clark finished with 17 points and showcased strong playmaking ability, adding 11 assists. Dar continued his impressive run in the Big East Tournament as well, finishing with 13 points and 4 rebounds while making multiple hustle plays that helped keep the Pirates competitive.

UConn was led by projected lottery pick and freshman Braylon Mullins. Mullins finished with 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field and 2-pf-9 from beyond the arc. Despite the modest numbers from long distance, he showed that his game is far from dependent on his perimeter shooting. Mullins flashed some surprising back-to-the-basket ability and was particularly impressive with several difficult, off-balance midrange shots that he knocked down with ease.

For Georgetown, Vince Iwuchukwu led the way with 11 points and 5 rebounds. Iwuchukwu displayed impressive athleticism throughout the game, elevating through contact and converting several tough finishes over UConn big men Eric Reibe and Tarris Reed.

With the semifinal round complete, the stage is now set for the Big East Tournament championship at Madison Square Garden. St. John’s and UConn will meet tonight with the conference title on the line, setting up a highly anticipated matchup between two teams that looked dominant in their semifinal victories. With momentum on both sides, the championship game promises to bring the intensity and high-level play that has defined the tournament all week.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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St. John’s Gets Key Win Over UConn

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – Two of the Big East’s finest met for a battle in the mecca with #3 UConn coming down to face the surging #22 St. John’s Red Storm. The game was very back and forth with both teams playing with great energy and trying to execute their style of play. St. John’s would struggle to be efficient but UConn had issues of their own with taking care of the ball and continuing to send the Johnnies to the charity stripe. Both teams had an extremely balanced box score in the first half leading to a tie at 39 between two of the hottest teams in all of college basketball. 

As the second half began, UConn would continue to have struggles against St. John’s intensity on the defensive end and their physicality on the offensive end. The Huskies had 15 turnovers on the night, Silas Demary Jr. had nine of those turnovers. St. John’s scored 20 points off those UConn turnovers and they did a great job of just pressuring ball handlers all night long. No one was more emblematic of this than Dylan Darling who was just a pest and completely shifted the game in St. John’s favor as soon as he checked in. Although we can’t overlook the usual dominance from the Red Storm frontcourt trio of Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell, and Bryce Hopkins combining for 50 of the 81 total team points.

Ejiofor continues to impress and show versatility as he had a near triple-double of 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Huskies would make small pushes throughout the half even cutting the St. John’s lead down to one. However, they would not be able to finish the job as St. John’s would take down UConn 81-72 ending the Huskies 18-game winning streak and extending their own winning streak to 9. 

St. John’s had a bunch of standout performances but it’s hard to dismiss Ejiofor’s two way impact and how he continues to impress every single game. Obviously everyone knows he has the motor, the physicality, and lives in the paint but his ability to read defenses is something to behold. He’s very good at seeing the back line of the defense when he gets the ball at the free throw line extended. Especially since opposing defenses are so keyed in on him as a finisher at the rim this leads to him showing off his playmaking, finding guys like Mitchell and Hopkins for easy points. Ejiofor’s performances are becoming inevitable night in and night out. At this trajectory he’s on his way to being recognized as one of the best players to ever put on a St. John’s uniform and having that #24 in the rafters one day. 

Though the Huskies didn’t get the result they wanted as a team several of their players had some solid individual performances. Alex Karaban is a true veteran for this UConn team and he showed it last night in a big game vs. a conference rival. Karaban finished the night with 17 points and is just so good as an off ball offensive threat. He leverages his shooting ability at such a high level and isn’t afraid to take the big shots when the team needs it. The range he has is also something you want to see if you are looking at him as an NBA prospect, he can let it fly from distance and on the move as well. Karaban may not be a high level athlete but he is capable of beating his defender on closeouts and getting to the rim for some nice finishes also. Defensively there can be some question marks due to his lack of overall athleticism and foot speed but he has the body to be serviceable on that end of the floor. It will definitely be interesting watching how the rest of his senior year plays out to determine if he will be able to get his third national title in four years.

This article was written by Jordan Amadeo, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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UConn Survives Test at Georgetown

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Washington, D.C. — Third-ranked UConn survived a rugged road test Saturday afternoon, leaning on interior toughness, composure, and timely execution to escape with a 64–62 win over Georgetown and extend its winning streak to 14 games. The Huskies did not play their cleanest offensive game, but their physical edge, defensive discipline, and late-game poise reflected a group comfortable winning different types of games.

UConn set the tone immediately. The Huskies scored on their first three possessions, including a putback and a smooth turnaround hook from Tarris Reed Jr., forcing an early Georgetown timeout just 95 seconds into the game. Reed’s presence was felt right away. He established deep position early, finished through contact, and punished switches, scoring 11 points in the first five minutes while drawing early fouls on Georgetown’s frontcourt. His balance, touch, and willingness to play through traffic gave UConn a reliable interior anchor from the opening tip.

By the second timeout with just over 15 minutes left in the half, UConn had built a 12–4 lead. Georgetown struggled to generate clean looks, rushed shots at the rim, and lacked spacing as UConn’s defense shrunk the floor. Reed continued to control the paint, while the Huskies’ perimeter defenders disrupted ball movement and forced Georgetown into contested attempts late in the clock.

As the half progressed, Georgetown found more rhythm offensively, attacking gaps and playing with better pace, but UConn remained in control. At the 10-minute mark, the Huskies led 21–13, with Georgetown conceding perimeter looks in an effort to protect the lane. That adjustment allowed UConn’s guards to operate more freely, while Reed’s activity on the glass and ability to finish inside continued to stabilize the offense.

With 7:15 remaining before halftime, UConn extended the margin to 25–17. Rebounding was nearly even, but the Huskies’ efficiency and ability to convert second-chance opportunities created separation. Each time Georgetown threatened with a brief run, UConn responded, maintaining an eight-point cushion. Jayden Fort’s dunk just before the break capped a late Hoyas surge, trimming the deficit to 32–28 at halftime and giving the home crowd renewed energy.

That momentum carried over. Georgetown opened the second half on an 8–0 run, taking a 35–32 lead as UConn endured a scoring drought that stretched more than six minutes across halftime. The game settled into a physical, back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading stops and baskets. Georgetown briefly held a 45–43 edge with just over 11 minutes left before UConn steadied itself.

The Huskies regained the lead for good at the free-throw line. Braylon Mullins calmly knocked down two foul shots with 8:55 remaining, and Alex Karaban followed with a timely corner three to push the lead to 58–53. That sequence proved decisive. Silas Demary Jr. and Mullins provided needed support on the perimeter, spacing the floor and making Georgetown pay for collapsing too aggressively inside.

The final minute was tense. KJ Lewis cut the margin to three with 32.7 seconds left, but Georgetown couldn’t capitalize on its final chance when Lewis missed an open three. Mullins split a pair of free throws to extend the lead before Vince Iwuchukwu’s late dunk brought the Hoyas within two. UConn calmly inbounded the ball and ran out the clock.

Despite shooting a season-low 36.2 percent from the field, UConn committed only six turnovers and improved to 9–0 away from home. Reed finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the win with strength, touch, and consistency inside. Georgetown received strong interior play from Iwuchukwu and competitive guard play from Lewis, but UConn’s physicality, defensive execution, and composure in winning time proved just enough to close out a hard-fought 64–62 victory.


This article was written by Courtney Chappelle, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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UConn Tops Illinois at Madison Square Garden

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – It was a highly anticipated matinee matchup at Madison Square Garden in the Sentinel One Showdown between No.5 UConn and No.13 Illinois in a game where we expected fireworks on the offensive end from both teams. It would ultimately be a defensive beatdown that had UConn take a wire to wire 74-61 win on Friday afternoon. UConn had solid offensive showings from key contributors Alex Karaban, Malachi Smith, and Solo Ball who would combine for 41 of their 74 points. The Huskies would also hold the Fighting Illini to well below their season average at 94.6 PPG. as Illinois’ only provider of offense today was Kylan Boswell who had 25 points.

The first half of this game was a UConn domination led by  Ball who had 13 first half points and was red hot from the field to kick off the afternoon. A key point heading into this matchup was would Illinois be able to play at their high-level pace and score effectively while also being dominant on the glass as well. Unfortunately for the Fighting Illini nothing went right, as they struggled to get stops and get out on the run, allowing UConn to shoot 46% from the field and 41% from 3 in the 1st half. They would also go on to lose the glass 21-19 while getting nothing offensively from their leading scorer Andrej Stojakovic. He had just three points at the half on 1-of-6 shooting as the team shoot 38% from the field. These factors lead to a Huskies’ 43-32 lead heading into the locker room.

The game was more tightly contested in the second half but even though Illinois tightened up defensively they continued to underperform on the offensive end. Illinois would go 6-of-26 from the field and 2-of-16 from 3 as they finished the night shooting 20.7% from 3 and 31% overall. UConn started off the second  half going up as many as 17 points, as Malachi Smith was able to make his mark on the game scoring nine points in the half finishing the afternoon with 14 points and nine assists off the bench. For Illinois their only source of offense would continue to come strictly from Boswell but their defensive effort picked up and they had the deficit reduced to seven points late in the game. They would go on to continue to misfire from long range and UConn came down with some big rebounds and buckets to finish Illinois off for their sixth win of the season. 

UConn is obviously in the conversation for being the best team in the country, but the individual talent on this roster is something that deserves praise. Two of their potential NBA draft prospects who played well today were Solo Ball and Alex Karaban. Karaban excels off shooting off the catch, he moves efficiently off the ball whether that’s coming off pin-downs or reading his defender playing him aggressively and slipping backdoor for cutting opportunities. He may not be a high-level athlete or an elite on ball creator but he provides high level spacing which is valuable for any team at the next level. Ball is more of a willing tough shot taker and shot maker. He can also move off the ball especially getting looks off screens, he gets 3’s up at a high volume and has more of an in between game compared to Karaban. Ball also is comfortable getting his shot off the dribble as he’s a more versatile scorer. Where the similarities lie are they both aren’t consistent defenders and they aren’t high level playmakers but they both have the potential to be contributors on an NBA rotation. 

As for the Fighting Illini, they have a few draft prospects as well. The two that most effected today’s game were Boswell and 6’9 forward David Mirkovic. Boswell dominated as he was able to get into the paint showing off his strong frame at just 6 ‘2 and showcased his shooting and defensive tenacity. The only question for Boswell at the next level is that he’s undersized and what level of a shooter he is? Mirkovic, although he didn’t have the greatest game, is someone that can be a productive offensive big. He isn’t by any means an elite on ball creator but he’s a really good playmaking big that has potential to effectively space the floor as well. He also is a high-level rebounder despite not being a major vertical athlete. Mirkovic has great feel for the game and he still has room to grow even more as a player as he’s just a freshman.

This article was written by Jordan Amadeo, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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