Michigan's defense outshines historic offense in title win over UConn

A lot has been made about Michigan’s explosive offense, especially after its dominant run through the NCAA Tournament. In Monday’s 69-63 win over Connecticut in the national title game, the Wolverines’ defense took center stage. Michigan became the first team all-time to score at least 90 points in each of its first five tournament games, but on a night it only shot 21-of-55 (38%) and 2-of-15 (13%) from long range and could not get any offensive rhythm going, the Wolverines claimed their second national title (1989) and handed the Huskies their first loss in the championship game after entering 6-0. Not only did Michigan’s win give the Big Ten its first championship since 2000 (Michigan State), but it was all about its defense from the opening tip. Michigan held UConn to just 21-of-68 (31%) and 9-of-33 (27%) from deep while also protecting the rim with six blocks. That should come as no surprise, though, when you consider how effective the Wolverines were against their three most recent opponents entering the championship game. Alabama (36%), Tennessee (32%), Arizona (37%) and UConn (31%) were each held to season-low shooting percentages against Michigan. The offensive outbursts clearly stole the show, but Michigan’s defense was just as key to its run toward a title. This is the same Michigan team that handed Mark Few his worst loss as head coach of Gonzaga in a 101-61 win earlier this season and averaged 87.8 points per game coming in. However, with Dan Hurley and UConn searching for a third title in the last four seasons and keeping the Michigan offense in check all night long on Monday, the Wolverines found different ways to win the game. Michigan went 25-of-28 from the charity stripe and made all the key plays it needed to in a gritty performance. For HC Dusty May, who took Florida Atlantic to the Final Four in 2023 and was a candidate for the North Carolina position, this only adds to his impressive resume after leading Michigan to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments in his first two seasons after the program was just 8-24 the year before his arrival. Furthermore, Michigan is the first team all-time to win a national title with an all-transfer starting lineup, only highlighting May’s ability to reach into the portal and put the right pieces together. Sure, junior guard Elliot Cadeau had a team-high 19 points (5-of-11 FG) and was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player, but Michigan’s ability to find a way to win when the shots were not falling is perhaps the most impressive part of it all. Even when Michigan was nowhere near its best offensively, it showed why it was deserving of a national championship by relying on its defense. UConn did everything it could to take away Michigan's strength, but in the end, the Wolverines were able to overcome the offensive woes with another lockdown defensive performance. This Wolverines team will mostly be remembered for their high-octane offense, but the defense deserves just as much praise after a hard-fought national title win over UConn. Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!