April 6 (UPI) -- Michigan Wolverines defenders wielded limbs of steel, transforming the paint into demolition derby with nearly impenetrable obstruction against the UConn Huskies en route to their second men's basketball national title Monday in Indianapolis.
The Wolverines, who missed their first 10 attempts from 3-point range and started slow offensively, roared in the second half and held the lead for the final 23 minutes of the 69-63 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium. The win gave them their first NCAA title since 1989.
"If you had told me we'd shoot it this poorly and get dominated on the glass and still find a way to win, I don't know if I would have believed you," Wolverines coach Dusty May said on the TNT broadcast.
"But this team has just found a way all season."
The Wolverines (37-3), who were 1-6 in their previous seven national final appearances, became the first Big Ten team to win a championship since Michigan State in 2000. They also became the first national champion with five transfers in their starting lineup.
