Michigan tops UConn to win NCAA title

State of play: The Huskies kept the game within reach for most of the night with timely three-point shooting. But U-M controlled the game with its stifling defense, anchored by 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara, who had eight points and a block.

Play of the game: Trey McKenney's three-pointer — one of just two three-pointers U-M made all game — pushed the lead to nine with only 1:50 left.

Between the lines: The Wolverines won the title by embracing college sports' new transfer portal era, in which players can switch schools more freely, sometimes for multimillion-dollar name, image and likeness (NIL) contracts.

Stunning stat: U-M was the first team to start five transfers in a national championship game.

What they're saying: "They might still be calling us mercenaries," forward Yaxel Lendeborg said in his postgame interview. "But we're the hardest playing team in national basketball, we're the best team in college basketball and we want to be one of the greats, ever."

What's next: Detroit will host the 2027 NCAA men's Final Four at Ford Field in April 2027.