Cadeau scores 19 as Michigan fends off UConn 69-63 for national championship
INDIANAPOLIS (WTVD) -- Elliot Cadeau scored a game-high 19 points to help Michigan close out UConn 69-63 on Monday night for the Wolverines' second men's basketball national championship.
Cadeau, who transferred from North Carolina last season, flourished in Michigan and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
"Nobody cared about stats the whole season. Nobody cared about nothing but winning," Cadeau said from the trophy presentation stage amid a confetti-strewn court.
After shooting at a blistering pace in a semifinal win against Arizona, Michigan (37-3) struggled from the field, making just 2 of 15 3-pointers, one by Cadeau, and shooting just 38% from the floor overall.
The Huskies (34-6), which beat Illinois to reach the title game, didn't fare any better, making just 31% from the floor and making 9 of 33 3-pointers (27%).
Michigan led 33-29 at halftime in a sluggish performance but eventually built a double-digit lead in the second half before holding on down the stretch thanks to stellar free-throw shooting (25-28, 89%).
Alex Karaban led the Huskies, who were seeking their third national title in four years, with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Raleigh native Silas Demary got in early foul trouble and eventually fouled out with two points, two rebounds and two assists.
This story will be updated.
