(BCSNN) — Michigan completed one of the most accomplished seasons in Big Ten history Monday night, defeating UConn 69–63 at Lucas Oil Stadium to capture the program’s second national championship and first since 1989.

The Wolverines (37–3), the Midwest Region’s top seed and ranked No. 3 nationally, earned a program‑record 37th victory — tying the Big Ten single‑season wins mark set by 2005 Illinois — and delivered the conference its first national title since 2000.

Michigan led 33–29 at halftime and maintained control for most of the second half behind steady guard play, timely scoring and a defense that held UConn (34–6) without a field goal for extended stretches.

Elliot Cadeau, named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, led all scorers with 19 points and added two assists. Yaxel Lendeborg scored 13 points, and Morez Johnson Jr. posted a 12‑point, 10‑rebound double‑double with two blocks.

Second‑Half Separation

After Nimari Burnett opened the half with two free throws, both teams went scoreless for three minutes until Cadeau converted a driving layup through contact and completed the three‑point play. Michigan and UConn traded baskets before Cadeau added another layup and a three‑pointer to give the Wolverines their first double‑digit lead, 48–37, with 12:56 remaining.

Michigan then endured a cold stretch, missing eight of nine shots as UConn trimmed the margin to 50–45 with eight minutes left. Burnett responded by forcing a steal that led to a Roddy Gayle Jr. alley‑oop to Aday Mara, sparking a 6–0 run. Lendeborg followed with six straight points, pushing the lead back to double digits.

Trey McKenney’s three‑pointer with 1:50 remaining — only Michigan’s second of the night — restored a nine‑point cushion at 65–56.

UConn mounted a brief rally in the final minute, scoring five points in 16 seconds, but the Wolverines closed the game at the free‑throw line. McKenney hit two in the final seconds to secure the six‑point victory.

First‑Half Foundation

Michigan opened the game with layups from Johnson and Cadeau and built a 9–4 lead at the first media timeout. Cadeau and Johnson scored the team’s first 15 points before Mara ended the streak with a layup at the 7:38 mark.

A flagrant foul assessed to UConn allowed Michigan to score four quick points, part of a 6–0 run that pushed the lead to 29–25. Gayle’s tip‑in slam in the final minute helped Michigan take a 33–29 lead into halftime.

Championship Season

Michigan’s title caps a season that included:

• A 19–1 Big Ten record and conference championship
• Big Ten Player of the Year (Lendeborg)
• Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (Mara)
• Big Ten Coach of the Year (Dusty May)
• The program’s eighth appearance in the national title game

The Wolverines now join the 1988–89 team as Wolverines that have won the national championship.