By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Michigan and UConn punched their tickets to the Final Four on Sunday, spearheaded by a significant wave of European talent that dictated the tempo of the Elite Eight in the 2025-26 NCAA season.
In Chicago, Michigan’s 95-62 demolition of Tennessee was orchestrated by Swedish guard Elliot Cadeau and Spanish giant Aday Mara. Cadeau, the engine of the Wolverines’ offense, recorded eight points, three rebounds, and a game-high ten assists alongside two steals and a block in 34 minutes. His playmaking fueled a decisive 21-0 first-half run that left the Volunteers reeling. Mara provided elite interior efficiency, contributing 11 points, four rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in just 18 minutes, even stepping outside to drain one of Michigan’s ten triples.
“Our defense started clicking,” noted Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, but it was the distribution of Cadeau that defined the win. “We thrive off playing team basketball,” Lendeborg added as the Wolverines secured their ninth Final Four appearance and first under coach Dusty May.
While Tennessee fell short, their roster featured Nate Ament, who has French roots but has represented U.S. junior teams. The 19-year-old forward struggled to seven points on 2-of-12 shooting, alongside quiet showings by European reserves Ethan Burg from Israel and Clarence Massamba of France.
The drama intensified in Washington as UConn stunned top-seeded Duke 73-72. Italian wing Dame Sarr was a pillar for the Blue Devils, starting and logging 28 minutes while producing ten points, four rebounds, and an assist. Sarr was a key link in the final seconds, finding Cayden Boozer before a late turnover led to Braylon Mullins’ miraculous 35-foot winner.
For the Huskies, German reserve Eric Reibe provided seven crucial minutes during the historic comeback, contributing two points, a rebound, an assist, and a block.
A flurry of European prospects are now heading to Indianapolis for the season-ending Final Four, with Connecticut up against Illinois, and Michigan facing Arizona on Saturday. The championship game follows next Monday.