The Michigan Wolverines started cold, but muscled past the UConn Huskies in the second half Monday for their second men's college basketball title.

High-scoring Michigan had to get down and dirty to dig out the national title, making only two 3-pointers all night but still muscling its way to a 69-63 victory over stingy, stubborn UConn

Michigan, seeking its second national championship and first since 1989, is also looking to become the first Big Ten Conference men's basketball team to win the NCAA Tournament since rival Michigan State knocked off Florida in the 2000 national championship game.

Michigan is a national champion for the first time since 1989, standing as the best in the land even if the Wolverines weren't at their peak on Monday.

For the Wolverines to go down as one of college basketball's best ever, they'll have to do it one more time by taking down a UConn program seeking its third national title in four seasons. The teams meet Monday night in the NCAA championship game,

The Michigan Wolverines are the 2026 national champions in men’s college basketball. They have defeated the UConn Huskies 69-63 in a defensive battle at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Elliot Cadeau was the driver of the Michigan offense.

The Michigan Wolverines are NCAA men's basketball champs for the first time in 37 years! Shop the Detroit Free Press and Detrot News' page prints now.

There’s only one game left in the college basketball season, with Michigan taking on UConn for the national championship on Monday night. As of Monday morning, Michigan is a 6.5-point favorite. The Wolverines are taking in 70% of the bets and 75% of the money.