Ann Arbor, Michigan — michiganThe men’s basketball team returned to campus Tuesday as national champions and coach Dusty May told the dozens of fans welcoming them to the Crisler Center that “this trophy is yours.”
“You brought it all year, to every home game,” he said, placing his hand on top of the trophy. “You guys were there every step of the way.”
Mays and his players stood atop the Junge Family Champions Center, a multi-purpose event venue between Michigan Stadium and the field, overlooking the maize-and-blue crowd.
Michigan holds off UConn 69-63 in Monday night’s title game, an effort powered by its all-transfer starting lineup. point guard elliot cadowNamed Final Four Most Outstanding Player, leading Michigan with 19 points. Morez Johnson Jr.. Had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Wolverines’ leading scorer this season, Yaxel LendeborgHad 13 points and two rebounds.
“You guys are amazing,” Lendeborg told the crowd before Tuesday’s rendition of the Michigan fight song. “You made this season very, very special for me. … Go Blue, baby!”
Michigan’s offense made history as the first team to score more than 90 points in five consecutive games in the NCAA Tournament, but it was the Wolverines’ defense that led the way on Monday night. Michigan held UConn to 31% shooting from the field and 27% shooting from beyond the 3-point arc.
6-foot-8 forward alex karbanIn his final game for the Huskies, he played all 40 minutes and had 11 rebounds and a team-high 17 points.
Michigan finished the season as the No. 1 seed, claiming all 57 votes in the final AP Top 25 poll on Tuesday.
