Mara dominated inside with 26 points, while Cadeau orchestrated the offense with 10 assists. Michigan's flawless execution overwhelmed Arizona.
INDIANAPOLIS — In a Final Four matchup that many expected to be a heavyweight bout, the Michigan Wolverines instead delivered a masterclass in efficiency, dismantling the Arizona Wildcats 91-73 at Lucas Oil Stadium. From the opening tip, it was clear that Michigan’s versatile offensive attack and stifling perimeter defense were too much for Tommy Lloyd’s squad to handle.
As the Wolverines prepare for the National Championship game, here are the three major takeaways from their statement win over the Wildcats.
1. Aday Mara’s Interior Supremacy
If there were any doubts about Aday Mara’s status as the most imposing force in college basketball, they were silenced in Indianapolis. The 7'3" center was nearly perfect, shooting a blistering 11-of-16 from the floor to finish with a game-high 26 points.
Mara didn't just score; he controlled the geometry of the court. His presence forced Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas into early foul trouble, and his 9 rebounds and 2 blocks anchored a Michigan defense that dared the Wildcats to enter the paint. When Arizona attempted to double-team him, Mara showed off his elite passing vision, helping the Wolverines maintain a fluid offensive rhythm that resulted in 22 total assists compared to Arizona’s measly 5.
2. Elliot Cadeau: The Maestro of the Backcourt
While Mara provided the finishing touch, junior guard Elliot Cadeau was the engine that made Michigan go. Cadeau recorded a stellar double-double with 13 points and 10 assists, marking his fifth consecutive NCAA tournament game with at least seven dimes.
More impressively, Cadeau’s impact was felt on both ends of the floor. He harassed Arizona’s ball handlers all night, racking up 4 steals and forcing the Wildcats into uncharacteristic mistakes. Despite a tough shooting night (5-of-17), his ability to facilitate allowed others like freshman Trey McKenney (16 points) to flourish. Cadeau’s 10-to-6 assist-to-turnover ratio under the bright lights of the Final Four proved he is the steady hand Michigan needs to secure a title.
3. The Great Efficiency Divide
The most glaring story of the night was the chasm in offensive execution between the two programs. The "Team Comparison" metrics tell a haunting story for Arizona fans:
Stat
Michigan
Arizona
Field Goal %
47.8%
36.6%
3-Point %
44.4%
35.3%
3-Pointers Made
12
6
Assists
22
5
Michigan simply played a more modern, connected brand of basketball. They doubled Arizona’s output from beyond the arc and moved the ball with a level of unselfishness that the Wildcats couldn't replicate. While Arizona's Koa Peat battled for a hard-earned 16 points and 11 rebounds, he was often left stranded on an island. Michigan’s defense successfully turned Arizona into a "one-on-one" team, evidenced by the staggering 22-to-5 assist discrepancy.
With this victory, the Wolverines move on to face UConn in what promises to be a legendary National Championship clash. If Mara and Cadeau continue to click at this level, the rafters in Ann Arbor might need to make room for a new banner.
The Wolverines are set to tip off against the UConn Huskies at 8:50 on TBS. While Michigan opens up as a pretty heavy favorite at -7.5, there is something about how coach Hurley has his team playing, that makes you think this one is going to be an instant classic.