The historic undefeated regular season campaign by Miami OH overshadowed how good Arizona (36-2) was, which won its first 23 games. They’d only lost two games to this point, coasting in the West Region to make the Final Four. Long Island, Utah State, Arkansas, and Purdue weren’t able to slow them down, but the Wildcats’ next opponent could.
The team that was stopping Arizona from being ranked No. 1 for most of the season was Michigan, which went 35-3 and dominated its own Midwest Region to get to this point. No disrespect to the other semifinal matchup, but there’s a strong chance that this game will determine the national champion, with these two being the best teams throughout the year.
Focusing on Arizona, here are the keys to them winning against the Wolverines.
1. 40+ points from the freshmen trio
In a season that’s been defined by elite freshmen, Arizona has three of them (Brayden Burries, Koa Peat, Ivan Kharchenkov), who combine to average around 40 ppg, 15 rpg, and 7.5 apg. They’ve been consistently good all year, but against Michigan and its high-powered offense, they can’t afford for any of them to have an off-game. If they can get to their averages, that should help keep them in the game.
2. Make some outside shots
Arizona has reached this point without the three-point shot, thanks to one of the best frontcourts in the nation. But Michigan, which has a 7’2 shot-blocker (Aday Mara) and a two-time Conference Defensive Player of the Year (Yaxel Lendeborg) inside to make it as hard as possible in the interior.
The Wolverines allow some of the most shots from deep this season because teams aren't trying to score inside against them. Expect the Wildcats to still try, but if it’s difficult, they can’t be afraid to shoot it from deep, especially Anthony Dell’Ooso off the bench.
3. Jaden Bradley winning his matchup with Elliot Cadeau
The one advantage Arizona has is at PG, led by Big 12 Player of the Year, Bradley (13.3 ppg and 4.4 apg). His counterpart is Cadeau, who just got to Indy on his own after suffering an allergic reaction. While he’ll be good to go, the junior guard has been inconsistent at times, something Bradley and Arizona could take advantage of, which may prove to be decisive.