Michigan Defeats UConn For NCAA Men's Basketball Championship

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The University of Connecticut men's basketball team played for its third national championship in four years Monday night.

UConn, the No. 2 seed, battled No. 1 seed Michigan. Michigan defeated UConn by a score of 69 to 63.

At halftime, it was a close game with UConn trailing Michigan 33-29. UConn was led at the half by Alex Karaban and Solo Ball with 8 points each.

In the first half, UConn kept the game close with timely three-pointers, while Michigan lived at the free throw line. Michigan made 11 out of 12 free throws in the first half and missed all of their 3-point baskets. UConn made 5 three-pointers in the first half.

UConn advanced to Monday's championship game by defeating Illinois 71-62 on Saturday. UConn also defeated Duke 73-72 behind Braylon Mullin's dramatic three-point shot as time expired.

UConn also defeated Michigan State 67-63, UCLA 73-57 and Furman 82-71.

UConn has won three championships under Jim Calhoun, one under Kevin Ollie and two championships under Dan Hurley.