Heroes and zeros of Michigan’s 91-73 win over Arizona to head to the NCAA championship:
Hero
UCLA coach Mick Cronin had to be wincing watching his former center, Aday Mara, dominate the national semifinal. Mara was a force, torching Arizona and its 7-footer, Motiejus Krivas. Mara finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks to lead Michigan to its first national championship game appearance in eight years.
Zero
Arizona needed Jaden Bradley at his best. Instead, foul trouble kept the Big 12 Player of the Year from leaving his mark on the game. The senior still finished with 13 points, but he had more turnovers (three) than assists (one), and was outplayed by Michigan floor general Elliot Cadeau.
Unsung Hero
Cadeau keeps proving his detractors wrong. The junior point guard has been cited as an area of concern for Michigan, but the North Carolina transfer and West Orange, N.J., native was terrific in the Wolverines rout of Arizona, notching 13 points, 10 assists and five rebounds.
Key Stat
21.6: Michigan’s average margin of victory during the NCAA Tournament.
Quote of the Day
“I’m going to push through and there’s no way I’m missing the game on Monday night. I’m gonna play unless I can’t walk at all.” — Yaxel Lendeborg on his sprained left ankle and left knee injury he suffered in the first half.
