ATLANTA — The Michigan Wolverines were about 27 minutes away from a national title. But thanks to the play of Luke Hancock, Michigan let Louisville back in the game and the Cardinals took full advantage.
Louisville defeated Michigan 82-76 to win its third national championship in program history. Michigan is now 1-5 all time in NCAA championship games in men’s basketball. Louisville head coach Rick Pitino became the first coach in Division 1 men’s basketball history to win national titles with two different programs.
Luke Hancock led Louisville with 22 points, while Peyton Siva had 18 points and Chane Behanan added 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Michigan was led by sophomore Trey Burke with 24 points. Burke may have played his final game as a Wolverine as he is expected to enter the NBA Draft. Freshman guard Spike Albrecht added 17 points from the bench, while Glenn Robinson III and Tim Hardaway Jr. each had 12.
Michigan seemed to be in control of the game early in the first half.
Trey Burke scored Michigan’s first seven points of the game, but had to leave with a little over 11 minutes left in the first half after picking up his second foul. He would not return in the first half.
It didn’t matter because Albrecht picked up the slack. He scored all 17 of his points in the first half and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the three-point line in the first half.
Michigan led by as many as 12 with a little over three minutes left, but Louisville’s Hancock hit four consecutive three-pointers to help put the Cardinals back in the game. Michigan led by just one at the half, 38-37.
The Cardinals would take the lead early in the second half and never gave it back once they led 48-47.
