Apr 3, 2026 - Sports

Michigan battles Arizona with title in sight

Joe Guillen

Coach Dusty May on the sideline with Aday Mara during U-M's Sweet Sixteen win over Alabama. — Head coach Dusty May on the sideline with Aday Mara during U-M's Sweet Sixteen win over Alabama. Photo: Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

The Wolverines have rolled through the NCAA Tournament — but that could end on Saturday.

Between the lines: No. 1 U-M (35-3) and No. 1 Arizona (36-2) are widely viewed as the two best teams left.

State of play: They meet in Indianapolis at 8:49pm. The other semifinal — between Illinois and UConn — tips at 6:09pm. Both games air on TBS/truTV.

What we're watching: U-M's frontcourt defense, led by 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara.

The Wildcats, on paper, lack the perimeter shooting to keep up with U-M's offense if they can't score inside.

Flashback: U-M last won the national title in 1989. No Big Ten team has won it all since Michigan State in 2000.

What they're saying: The Wolverines aren't satisfied just reaching the Final Four, head coach Dusty May said after beating Tennessee on Sunday.

"This was one of our goals, but this wasn't the pinnacle for us," he said. "We still have work to do."

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Michigan battles Arizona with title in sight

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