UConn vs. Michigan scores, live updates, NCAA Men’s Championship Game highlights originally appeared on NESN. Click here to add NESN as your preferred source.
On Monday night in Indianapolis, UConn will look to solidify a dynasty unique in the modern era. After winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, Dan Hurley, Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr. and the rest of the Huskies are one win away from the program’s third national title in four seasons.
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What stood in the way of that immortality was a Michigan team that blitzed every tournament opponent. Led by Big Ten Player of the Year Axel Lundenburg and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Adai Mara, Dusty May and the Wolverines have put together a stunning turnaround just two years removed from one of the worst seasons in program history.
Will Calaban leave the court with his third ring? Can Michigan capture its first championship since Glen Rice led the Wolverines to the title in 1989?
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the night as UConn and Michigan compete for the 2026 national championship.
University of Connecticut vs University of Michigan score
UConn vs. Michigan live updates, highlights from the 2026 National Championship Game
(All times Eastern)
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10:24pm: After Michigan took an eight-point lead, Malachi Smith responded with a layup.
The Wolverines led throughout the half, but they were unable to improve the score like they have in past games.
10:19pm: It’s another Michigan game, and this time, it’s Lundenburg.
For No. 23, it was a much-needed strike and his first of the game. Reed fouled, his third foul.
Michigan State will have a chance to take an eight-point lead in 16 games.
10:17pm: Elliott Cardo spent a lot of time on the bench late in the first half, but he made an impact at the start of the second half.
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Here, he hit a two-for-one directly on Ball, scoring up to 10 points in the game. The score was 38-31, and Ball had just been on the bench with four fouls.
10:16pm: At the beginning of the second half, both teams’ offenses were in trouble. With less than 17 minutes left in the game, the score was 35-31.
10:14pm: Just one minute into the second half, the two teams exchanged two points.
Then, there was a miscommunication between Reed and Mullins, which was UConn’s first turnover in more than 10 minutes of game time.
10:11pm: The second half is underway. UConn had its first possession.
The final chapter of the college basketball season is about to be written.
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10:07pm: With only a few minutes left in the second half, these teams are 20 minutes away from immortality.
Will UConn finish seventh or will Michigan win its second national title in program history?
10:01pm: Lundborg played the full 20 minutes and was brutally honest in his assessment of the first half.
9:53pm: Every point in this game was won in a battle between two strong defensive teams.
Michigan’s shooting performance was abnormal, making 11 of 30 shots and 0 of 8 three-pointers; on the other hand, UConn shot 10 of 30 and 5 of 13 three-pointers.
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Halftime: Michigan 33, UConn 29
9:48pm: Roddy Gayle Jr. just had his highlight game of the night, knocking in the ball after a Lendeborg turnover to give Michigan a 33-28 lead.
However, with two seconds left, Reed Jr. was fouled. He went on to make one of the two.
The first half ended shortly after, and Michigan entered the locker room with a 33-29 lead. Even with the poor shooting performance, the No. 1 seed held a slim lead with 20 minutes remaining. This game will be decided in the second half.
UConn and Michigan headed to the locker rooms, both looking for history.
9:40pm: The Wolverines went on a 6-0 run to lead 29-25 with 2:24 left in the game.
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After Johnson made two free throws, Lundborg and Mara both shot inside, and the momentum returned to Michigan.
9:37pm: Lundborg, who had not yet shot, tried a three-pointer but missed, but Calaban was called for a foul and Johnson Jr. went to the free throw line.
To make matters worse for UConn, it was a hook ball, meaning Johnson Jr. would get to the free throw line for two free throws and retain possession.
9:31pm: In the four-and-under division, the Huskies posted a 25-23 record.
Dan Hurley’s team shot 38% from the field and Dusty May’s team shot 32%.
9:29pm: We were tied at 23 with five minutes left in the first half.
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Both teams struggled to score, especially Michigan, which hadn’t made a field goal since the 7:38 mark.
9:26pm: Now Cardo fouls Calaban from behind, his second foul.
Caddo, DeMarri Jr. and Ball were all on the bench with two fouls.
9:24pm: With 6:47 left in the game, Braylon Mullins fouled Nimari Burnett and Michigan would go to the free throw line. UConn has committed seven team fouls.
9:20pm: So far, Lundenburg has had no role to play.
9:18pm: With 7:00 left in the first half, UConn won 18-17.
Michigan made 0 of 5 three-pointers in this game, and it was difficult for both sides to score.
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9:13pm: UConn took its first lead when Karaban hit his second 3-pointer of the night. Subsequently, Johnson Jr. made a layup on the other side and the score became 16-15.
9:09 p.m.: Caddo missed a 3-pointer and then UConn went on a fast break with the athletic Jaden Rose. He was fouled on a dunk at the other end.
After commercial break, he would get two free throws with a chance to give UConn its first lead of the game.
9:05pm: After a few missed shots, Ball cut the Huskies’ deficit to three with a three-pointer.
Cardo then took the ball to the baseline, but was fouled on the way up. He hit the ball but missed the free throw.
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8:56 pm: Elliott Cardo was fouled beyond the arc, went to the free throw line and made all three free throws. Michigan jumped out to an early 7-2 lead.
8:54pm: The first points of the game came to Michigan courtesy of Maurice Johnson Jr.
The Illinois transfer used his size to his advantage to knock the ball down. Then UConn responded with a hook shot from Michigan State transfer player Talis Reid Jr.
8:51pm: We’re doing it in Indianapolis.
UConn won the game and the ball was in the hands of Silas Demary Jr.
8:50pm: Dan Hurley hopes to win three championships in four seasons with John Wooden as coach. Dusty May hopes to win a championship in just her second season in Ann Arbor.
Regardless, history is being made.
It’s time for the national championship game again.
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8:44 pm: Starting lineups will be announced at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The national championship is coming.
8:41pm: Now, the Wolverines’ starting five.
Michigan State had eight wins when May was hired two years ago. Now, we are 40 minutes away from our second national championship.
8:39 pm: Here’s UConn’s starting five, led by two-time national champion Alex Karaban and Michigan transfer Talis Reid Jr.
Reed is UConn’s leading scorer in the tournament, scoring 17 or more points in four of five games.
8:35pm: Lundborg looks ready to go.
Less than 30 minutes from Tipoff.
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8:29pm: Michigan State enters the game as a 7.5-point favorite, largely because they are the No. 1 defense in the country according to adjusted efficiency metrics. A major factor in this game will be the health of the stars, as Michigan’s Axel Lundenberg is expected to compete with a minor MCL sprain and UConn’s Solo Ball is also active after returning from a recent foot injury.
Statistically, the game will likely be decided on the boards, with Michigan’s Maurice Johnson Jr. looking to take advantage of UConn’s defense that occasionally struggles to get defensive rebounds. While Michigan is seeking its first title since 1989, UConn is trying to complete a historic run by winning its third national title in just four years.
8:23pm: All eyes will be on Big Ten Player of the Year Axel Lundberg, who is expected to play through an injury.
Solo Ball, on the other hand, is nursing an illness at UConn. Can play both.
8:16pm: The Michigan Wolverines have arrived.
One of the most dominant teams of the KenPom era, the Wolverines are looking to capture their second title in program history. Michigan has scored over 90 points in every game in this NCAA Tournament and won every game by double digits.
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8:09 p.m.: The UConn Huskies are on the court at Lucas Oil Stadium looking to win their third national championship in four seasons.
Dan Hurley’s team is looking to accomplish a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since the days of John Wooden at UCLA.
8:08 pm: One game decides everything.
8:05pm: The winner will be chosen tonight.
Either UConn will win its seventh national title and third in the past four years, or Michigan will win its second.
8pm: Tonight is the night.
In one corner, Dan Hurley’s Huskies are one step away from etching their name with John Wooden’s Bruins as the only teams to win three national championships in four years.
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On the other hand, a Michigan team that redefined statistical dominance during the KenPom era is poised to rise quickly from an eight-win team in 2023-24 to a national champion in 2025-26.
What channel is today’s UConn vs. Michigan game on?
The UConn-Michigan game will be broadcast live on TBS and truTV. Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery and Grant Hill will be on the call, with Tracy Wolfson serving as sideline reporter.
Fans who want to watch the UConn vs. Michigan game can watch it live on DIRECTV.
Watch every game — try free DIRECTV now! Stream college basketball, football, MLB and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1 and NFL Network—all included in DIRECTV.
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UConn vs. Michigan start time
UConn’s game against Michigan is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 6 at 8:50 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
2026 Men’s Final Four Schedule
semifinals
Saturday, April 4
|
game |
|---|
|
No. 2 University of Connecticut 71No. 3 Illinois 62 |
|
No. 1 Michigan 91No. 1 Arizona 73 |
national championship
Monday, April 6
|
game |
Time (Eastern Time) |
TV/live broadcast |
|---|---|---|
|
No. 2 University of Connecticut vs. No. 1 University of Michigan |
8:50 pm |
TBS, truTV, DIRECTV |
University of Connecticut NCAA Tournament Results
|
round |
opponent |
Fraction |
|
first round |
vs furman |
West, 82-71 |
|
second round |
with UCLA |
West, 73-57 |
|
Sweet 16 |
vs. michigan state |
West, 67-63 |
|
Elite Eight |
vs. duke |
West, 73-72 |
|
semifinals |
with illinois |
West, 71-62 |
Michigan NCAA Tournament Results
|
round |
opponent |
Fraction |
|
first round |
against Howard |
West, 101-80 |
|
second round |
against St. Louis |
West, 95-72 |
|
Sweet 16 |
vs alabama |
West, 90-77 |
|
Elite Eight |
vs. tennessee |
West, 95-62 |
|
semifinals |
vs arizona state |
West, 91-73 |
