Infomastaro

By Anne EricksonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

On Monday, April 6, the NCAA men's tournament championship game will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Illinois, and the Michigan Wolverines will compete for the Big Ten's first championship title since the Michigan State Spartans did it in 2000.

In order to notch that moment in history, they'll have to beat the UConn Huskies, though. Head coach Dan Hurley is no stranger to the final game, and he and the Huskies took home back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024.

So, has Michigan ever won a national championship in basketball? The answer is "yes," because they took home the top prize back in 1989, beating Seton Hall 80-79 in overtime, according to NCAA research. Michigan also reached the championship game in 1965, 1976, 1992, 1993, 2013 and 2018.

So, the Wolverines have history at the big game, but they haven't won it since 1989, making this showing extra special. Because of that, students are going to great lengths to support their team.

Fans of the Michigan Wolverines react to a call during the first half of a college basketball game.

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According to a report from CBS News, excited University of Michigan students camped out overnight and are lining up to watch the NCAA national championship game at their favorite college bar in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Up North Live adds that students were lined up as early as 11 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, outside Good Time Charley's in Ann Arbor, hoping to secure their spot. What a way to spend the end of Easter, right?

"The early turnout underscores just how much anticipation is surrounding the matchup, with many hoping to cheer the Wolverines to a championship victory over the Huskies," Up North Live states.

More sports news: Michigan Hit With Dan Hurley Warning Before National Title vs. UConn

It's worth noting that a separate report from CBS News also shares that the Ann Arbor Police Department is increasing staffing on Monday, due to the game. Authorities say they'll work with local and state partners, including the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security, "to support a safe environment."

"Once again, we get to showcase our city as a premier destination for extraordinary events. I believe many of us are pleased to see our Michigan Wolverines taking on the UConn Huskies for the national championship," Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson said in a statement on Sunday, according to CBS News.

"My message as your police chief is to enjoy the historic matchup, and be mindful of disruptive behavior, public intoxication, and property damage," Anderson later added. "Please follow all directions from uniformed officers and event staff."

More sports news: Michigan Under Fire for ‘Bought’ Roster Ahead of National Title vs UConn

The Wolverines demolished Arizona on Saturday, April 4, to get to the final game, with a 91-73 win. It's going to be a lively evening in Ann Arbor on Monday, no matter who wins this matchup.

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