No. 1 seed Michigan has looked like an unstoppable force throughout its NCAA Tournament run. The Wolverines aim to continue their impressive play when they take on No. 1 seed Arizona in the National Semifinals on Saturday, April 4.
Tip-off is set for 8:49 p.m. ET on TBS and truTV, with the Wolverines listed as 1.5-point favorites.
Below, we’ll dive into what Michigan may have to do to defeat Arizona and potentially the winner of No. 2 seed UConn and No. 3 seed Illinois. There are multiple reasons why Michigan basketball can win a National Championship.
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3 Keys to Michigan Winning A National Championship
Michigan has been dominant throughout this stretch, winning each tourney game by an average margin of 22.5 points and securing triumphs of 13+ points every time out.
The Wolverines could face their toughest test yet in Arizona. As the Wolverines enter the weekend, here’s a look at what factors may be essential towards notching a National Championship.
Continuing to Play Elite Defense
The Wolverines have thrived on both ends of the floor, but their defense has really been the catalyst to the team’s success. Michigan has played suffocating defense throughout its four tournament games and looked quite elite most of the time.
According to Bart Torvik, Michigan is third in adjusted defensive efficiency (92.1) behind only Arizona (91.6) and Houston (91.9).
This certainly isn’t a recent revelation, as Michigan has clamped down all season long. The Wolverines have held their opponents to 38.4% shooting from the field, the second-lowest clip behind Saint Louis (38.3%).
Michigan also defends extremely well from the perimeter, limiting foes to 30.4% shooting from deep (22nd). During the NCAA Tournament, the Wolverines have allowed the opposition to shoot just 32.1% from beyond the arc.
No. 16 seed Howard was the only team that enjoyed any type of success in that regard, as the Bison shot 48.3% (14-of-29) on 3-pointers in the first-round matchup between the two teams.
Michigan has its hands full against an Arizona crew that shot 36.7% from deep throughout the 2025-26 season. The Wildcats have connected on 43.4% of their 3-point tries during the NCAA Tournament but are only averaging 13.3 attempts.
If Michigan wants to reach Monday’s National Championship Game, defending the 3-pointer is a must.
Relentless Attacking From the Perimeter
Similar to defending the perimeter well, the Wolverines have excelled in shooting the basketball from deep.
Michigan is shooting 44.6% (45-of-101) on 3s in four NCAA Tournament games. UM has shot 46.0% or better in three contests, with Tennessee being the lone exception.
The Wolverines have connected on 36.9% of their shots from beyond the arc on the year, ranking 30th. They have a strong stable of above-average shooters that includes F Yaxel Lendeborg (37.2%), G Trey McKenney (38.4%), G Nimari Burnett (38.1%), G Elliot Cadeau (37.7%), and F Morez Johnson Jr. (36.4%).
Lendeborg has been unconscious throughout the NCAA Tournament, shooting 50.0% from deep (11-of-22). The 2025-26 Big Ten Player of the Year averages 21.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 4.3 APG while shooting 59.2% from the floor in the tourney.
In terms of Saturday’s National Semifinal showdown, Arizona does defend the 3-ball extremely well, holding opponents to a 31.0% mark that ranks 34th.
The Wolverines may be wise to keep being aggressive from behind the 3-point line and take advantage of open looks. Considering the abundance of shooters and spacing Michigan owns, it’s a fitting challenge.
Maintaining the Health of Elliot Cadeau
Before Michigan left for the National Semifinals, G Elliot Cadeau suffered an allergic reaction and didn’t travel with the team as a result. He finally joined the Wolverines on Thursday in Indianapolis.
Cadeau was seen being loaded into an ambulance outside of Michigan’s player development center on Wednesday. He revealed that the reaction came as a result of an accidental exposure to nuts.
Michigan head coach Dusty May stated that Cadeau is “fine” in the aftermath of the scare.
Cadeau has averaged 10.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game while shooting 37.7% from beyond the arc this season, being named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection.
It appears as though Cadeau is on track to be ready to go for Saturday. He's an integral part of Michigan’s success, finishing in double figures in two of the team’s games during the NCAA Tournament.
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While the Arizona Wildcats are a difficult matchup, the Michigan Wolverines may have what it takes to get past them and potentially secure their second National Championship in program history.
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