Key Points
Bullet point summary by AI
- The Michigan Wolverines crushed the Tennessee Volunteers 87-63 in a dominant Elite Eight performance to reach the Final Four.
- They will face the No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats, who defeated Purdue 79-64 in their Elite Eight game.
- This matchup features the top two teams in KenPom ratings, promising an epic battle for a spot in the national championship game.
The Michigan Wolverines didn't just beat the Tennessee Volunteers during Sunday's Elite Eight action. They shoved the Vols' faces into the mud. It was the epitome of a March Madness statement game.
Dusty May's squad went on a 21-0 run in the first half, leading 48-26 at the break. The beatdown was on, essentially ensuring Michigan's place in the Final Four well before the final whistle.
Who is next on the Wolverines' tear through the tournament?
Who does Michigan play next in March Madness?
Michigan's Final Four opponent is the No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats. They're coming off a 79-64 win over Purdue in the Elite Eight. UA led by as many as 18 while outpacing the Boilermakers 40-24 in the paint. Like the Wolverines, the Wildcats have looked like a true title contender throughout the month.
This will be a matchup of the top two teams in KenPom ratings this season with Arizona sitting first and Michigan sitting second. The hype around their date in Indianapolis will be immense and completely justified. These are two juggernauts who have been using their height to make life miserable for opponents. They're evenly matched and they both have everything to play for.
Team | NET | ORtg | DRtg |
|---|---|---|---|
Michigan | 38.03 | 6th | 2nd |
Arizona | 38.76 | 4th | 1st |
Michigan vs. Arizona series history
Michigan has never beaten Arizona in men's basketball. The two programs have met four times since the 2004-05 season, most recently facing off in 2021-2022.
Date | Score | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
11/21/21 | L, 80-62 | Las Vegas, NV | Main Event |
12/13/14 | L, 80-53 | Tucson, AZ | Out of conference |
12/14/13 | L, 72-70 | Ann Arbor, MI | Out of conference |
11/24/04 | L, 61-60 | New York, NY | Preseason NIT |
The Wolverines and Wildcats have never met in the postseason. This will be their first matchup in March Madness, with a bid to the championship game on the line.
Michigan is looking for their first national championship since 1989. Arizona, for all their success under Lute Olson, has also only won one title in their history. That one in 1997.
How Michigan got to the Final Four
Michigan's dominant win over Tennessee wasn't exactly a shock (even if the speed with which they took command was very impressive). The Wolverines have been doing that to everyone they've faced in the tournament so far.
- 1st Round: W vs. (16) Howard , 101-80
- 2nd Round: W vs. (9) Saint Louis, 95-72
- Sweet 16: W vs. (4) Alabama, 90-77
UM's March Madness wins have all come by double-digits, whether led by Yaxel Lendeborg or Morez Johnson Jr. on the scoring charts.