The Michigan Wolverines and Arizona Wildcats are set to face off in one of the most anticipated Final Four matchups of all time on Saturday. Both teams have proven themselves to be two of the best teams in the nation.
While the Wildcats have only lost two games all year, there are a few things the Wolverines will need to put an end to their run.
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1. Strong Interior Defense
Arizona’s success comes partially due to their unique style of play. In the modern era of spacing and outside shooting, the Wildcats prioritize paint touches and getting to the rim whenever possible.
They’ve terrorized teams on the interior while taking a very low number of long-range shots. A major priority for the Wolverines should be to play elite interior defense and try to stop Arizona’s rim-running.
If Aday Mara can anchor Michigan’s paint defense while avoiding foul trouble, the Wolverines can force Arizona to take threes that they usually avoid. Otherwise, the Wildcats may do to them what they’ve done to the rest of their tournament opponents so far.
2. Consistent Outside Shooting
On the offensive side of the ball, the Wolverines can take a different approach. With such a high-level battle going on down low, Michigan could carve out an advantage with consistent outside shooting.
The Wolverines enter Saturday’s matchup taking far more three-point shots than Arizona. They can still compete on the interior with anyone, but the double-edged sword approach on offense could help the Wolverines create separation if there’s a stalemate down low.
They’ve done well from beyond the arc so far in the tournament, they’ll need this solid shooting to continue into Saturday’s matchup if they want to advance.
3. Yaxel Lendeborg‘s Star Power
Throughout the tournament, Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg has been arguably the best player throughout four games. The Wolverines will need him at his very best on Saturday.
He’s shot an impressive 52% from the floor and 37.2% from three this season while putting up 15.2 points per game. His offensive game only elevated in March, dropping 20 points or more in three straight games to reach the Final Four.
Not only is he a versatile scorer, he’s often guarded the opposing team’s best player on the defensive end. His matchup on Saturday is likely to be a tough one in Wildcats freshman Koa Peat.
Peat is an elite player on the block and down low, so hampering him with strong defense will have a major impact on Arizona’s offense.
The Wolverines enter Saturday’s matchup as the slight betting favorite, but taking down a team like the Wildcats will be anything but easy.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
