This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.
A view of the Arena of Verona where the Closing Ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Verona, northern, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
An aerial view of the Arena of Verona where the Closing Ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Verona, northern, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Arena of Verona where the Closing Ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Verona, northern, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Assago Forum which will be the Milano Ice Skating Arena where figure skating and short track speed skating disciplines will take place at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Assago, near Milan, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Assago Forum which will be the Milano Ice Skating Arena where figure skating and short track speed skating disciplines of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Assago, near Milan, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
The Olympic village for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is under construction, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is under construction, in Assago, near Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Rho Fair, venue for the ice hockey and speed skating disciplines the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, near Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the main entrance of the Rho Fair, which will be called Milano Ice Park, venue for the ice hockey and speed skating disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Rho, near Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Workers tend to the grass at the San Siro Stadium where the opening ceremony for at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the San Siro Stadium where the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the San Siro Stadium where the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
An external view of the San Siro Stadium site of the Opening ceremony at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Rain falls on San Siro Stadium, venue for the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Construction work is seen at the Ski Area Mottolino, which will be called Livigno Snow Park, venue of the Freestyle and Snowboarding disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Carosello 3000 track which will be called Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, venue for the Freestyle skiing discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Construction work is seen at the Ski Area Mottolino, which will be called Livigno Snow Park, venue of the Freestyle and Snowboarding disciplines, at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Carosello 3000 track which will be called Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, venue for the Freestyle skiing discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Skiers are seen from above at the Cross Country skiing stadium which will be used at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Cross Country skiing stadium which will be used at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Cross Country skiing stadium which will be used during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Construction work is seen at the Stelvio Ski Center, venue for the alpine ski and ski mountaineering disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Construction work goes on at the Stelvio Ski Center, venue for the alpine ski and ski mountaineering disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Olympic rings are seen in the snow at the Stelvio Ski Center, venue for the alpine ski and ski mountaineering disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A billboard advertising the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is seen at one of the venues for the alpine ski discipline, in Bormio, Italy, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati)
Olympic rings are seen near a slope of the Stelvio Ski Center, venue for the alpine ski and ski mountaineering disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Olympic rings are seen in the snow at the Stelvio Ski Center, venue for the alpine ski and ski mountaineering disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the village of Predazzo, venue for the ski jumping and nordic combined disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
The Olympic village is under construction at the venue for the ski jumping and nordic combined disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Predazzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Ski Jumping Stadium for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Predazzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Ski Jumping Stadium for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Predazzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Construction work takes place at the Cortina Sliding Center, venue for the bob, luge and skeleton disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
Construction work takes place at the Cortina Sliding Center, venue for the bob, luge and skeleton disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
Construction work takes place at the Cortina Sliding Center, venue for the bob, luge and skeleton disciplines, at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
Alpine skiers adorn the windows of a building in Cortina d'Ampezzo, venue for the alpine ski discipline during the 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
A view of the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
A view of the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
A sign with writing reading "Apologies for the inconvenience, we are working for the Olympic Games" is seen on a board inside the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
The Olympic rings adorn the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
A crane is see by the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
The church of the Madonna of the Defense is seen in Cortina d'Ampezzo, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
A view of the finish area at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Center, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
FILE - A skier is framed by the Dolomites landscape as she speeds down the Tofane course during an alpine ski, women's World Cup downhill training, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati, File)
FILE - A view of the start of an alpine ski, women's World Cup downhill training at the Tofane slope, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati, File)
A view of the Tofane schuss, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
A view of the Tofane schuss, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
The Olympic rings adorn the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan.16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
Athletes compete during a Biathlon World Cup event at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, venue for the biathlon discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
A view of the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, venue for the biathlon discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
Athletes are seen at the shooting range during a Biathlon World Cup event at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, venue for the biathlon discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
An athlete competes during a Biathlon World Cup event at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, venue for the biathlon discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
A view of the village of Anterselva where the biathlon discipline will take place during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
A view of the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, where the biathlon discipline will take place at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
An athlete participates in a Biathlon World Cup race at the Biathlon Arena in Anterselva where the biathlon discipline will take place during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in northern Italy, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
A view of the Biathlon Arena where the biathlon will take place during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
Athletes compete during a Biathlon World Cup event at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, venue for the biathlon discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
People walk near Olympic rings near the village of Anterselva where the Biathlon will take place during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
Olympic rings are seen near the village of Anterselva where the biathlon discipline will take place during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
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A view of the Arena of Verona where the Closing Ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Verona, northern, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
An aerial view of the Arena of Verona where the Closing Ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Verona, northern, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Arena of Verona where the Closing Ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Verona, northern, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Assago Forum which will be the Milano Ice Skating Arena where figure skating and short track speed skating disciplines will take place at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Assago, near Milan, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Assago Forum which will be the Milano Ice Skating Arena where figure skating and short track speed skating disciplines of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Assago, near Milan, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
The Olympic village for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is under construction, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is under construction, in Assago, near Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Rho Fair, venue for the ice hockey and speed skating disciplines the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, near Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the main entrance of the Rho Fair, which will be called Milano Ice Park, venue for the ice hockey and speed skating disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Rho, near Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Workers tend to the grass at the San Siro Stadium where the opening ceremony for at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the San Siro Stadium where the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the San Siro Stadium where the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
An external view of the San Siro Stadium site of the Opening ceremony at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Rain falls on San Siro Stadium, venue for the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Construction work is seen at the Ski Area Mottolino, which will be called Livigno Snow Park, venue of the Freestyle and Snowboarding disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Carosello 3000 track which will be called Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, venue for the Freestyle skiing discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Construction work is seen at the Ski Area Mottolino, which will be called Livigno Snow Park, venue of the Freestyle and Snowboarding disciplines, at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Carosello 3000 track which will be called Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, venue for the Freestyle skiing discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Skiers are seen from above at the Cross Country skiing stadium which will be used at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Cross Country skiing stadium which will be used at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Cross Country skiing stadium which will be used during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Construction work is seen at the Stelvio Ski Center, venue for the alpine ski and ski mountaineering disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Construction work goes on at the Stelvio Ski Center, venue for the alpine ski and ski mountaineering disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Olympic rings are seen in the snow at the Stelvio Ski Center, venue for the alpine ski and ski mountaineering disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A billboard advertising the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is seen at one of the venues for the alpine ski discipline, in Bormio, Italy, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati)
Olympic rings are seen near a slope of the Stelvio Ski Center, venue for the alpine ski and ski mountaineering disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Olympic rings are seen in the snow at the Stelvio Ski Center, venue for the alpine ski and ski mountaineering disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the village of Predazzo, venue for the ski jumping and nordic combined disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
The Olympic village is under construction at the venue for the ski jumping and nordic combined disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Predazzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Ski Jumping Stadium for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Predazzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A view of the Ski Jumping Stadium for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Predazzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Construction work takes place at the Cortina Sliding Center, venue for the bob, luge and skeleton disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
Construction work takes place at the Cortina Sliding Center, venue for the bob, luge and skeleton disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
Construction work takes place at the Cortina Sliding Center, venue for the bob, luge and skeleton disciplines, at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
Alpine skiers adorn the windows of a building in Cortina d'Ampezzo, venue for the alpine ski discipline during the 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
A view of the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
A view of the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
A sign with writing reading "Apologies for the inconvenience, we are working for the Olympic Games" is seen on a board inside the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
The Olympic rings adorn the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
A crane is see by the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
The church of the Madonna of the Defense is seen in Cortina d'Ampezzo, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
A view of the finish area at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Center, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
FILE - A skier is framed by the Dolomites landscape as she speeds down the Tofane course during an alpine ski, women's World Cup downhill training, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati, File)
FILE - A view of the start of an alpine ski, women's World Cup downhill training at the Tofane slope, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati, File)
A view of the Tofane schuss, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
A view of the Tofane schuss, venue for the alpine ski discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
The Olympic rings adorn the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan.16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
Athletes compete during a Biathlon World Cup event at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, venue for the biathlon discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
A view of the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, venue for the biathlon discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
Athletes are seen at the shooting range during a Biathlon World Cup event at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, venue for the biathlon discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
An athlete competes during a Biathlon World Cup event at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, venue for the biathlon discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
A view of the village of Anterselva where the biathlon discipline will take place during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
A view of the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, where the biathlon discipline will take place at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
An athlete participates in a Biathlon World Cup race at the Biathlon Arena in Anterselva where the biathlon discipline will take place during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in northern Italy, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
A view of the Biathlon Arena where the biathlon will take place during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
Athletes compete during a Biathlon World Cup event at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, venue for the biathlon discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Anterselva, northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
People walk near Olympic rings near the village of Anterselva where the Biathlon will take place during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
Olympic rings are seen near the village of Anterselva where the biathlon discipline will take place during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in northern Italy, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Michigan overpowered Arizona early and humbled the ’Cats all night long, turning the Final Four meeting billed as the Game of the Year into a 91-73 Wolverines highlight reel Saturday night.
Junior center Aday Mara scored a career-high 26 points and had nine rebounds, a dinged-up Yaxel Lendeborg had 11 points in 14 minutes and the Blue blew through their fifth straight March Madness opponent by double digits while becoming the first team to break 90 points five times in a single tournament.
Next up, a title matchup Monday against UConn, a 71-62 winner over Illinois in the early semifinal that was billed — wrongly — as the undercard to this battle of No. 1 seeds.
Michigan and Arizona came in with the nation’s top two defenses, a pair of top-five offenses and somewhere between eight and a dozen NBA stars between them.
But it was the Wolverines (36-3) who looked like pros, running to a double-digit lead only 5:31 into the contest, then swatting and slamming Arizona into oblivion.
Koa Peat had a quiet 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Big 12 champion Wildcats (36-3). They shot 6 for 17 from 3, 36% overall and had two assists and nine turnovers over a first half that ended with them trailing 48-32. Sparkplug Jaden Bradley got his fourth foul 94 seconds into the second half and finished with 13 points, most in extended garbage time.
Arizona’s only two losses before this were by four and by three back in February. They trailed by nine less than 2:30 into this one.
Michigan packed the paint on defense, basically giving the team that averaged the fifth-fewest 3 attempts in the country this year free rein from long distance, then daring Arizona to create inside. The Wilcats failed at both.
Even more impressive for Michigan was that it started this runaway without (maybe) its best player, Lendeborg, who committed two fouls within five seconds of each other less than 90 seconds into the game, then landed on Motiejus Krivas’ foot a little later and went to the locker room for ice.
Lendeborg returned and made two quick 3s early in the second half to push the lead past 20. He was on the bench — and the stationary bike — for good with 7:10 left, plenty of time for rest and ice to get ready for UConn, which is going for its third title in four years.
Michigan is going for only the program’s second championship (1989), though its most famous team — the Fab Five, which made the final twice in the early ’90s — was in the building to helm an “alt-cast” of this Michigan celebration.
Some of this — the dunks, the alley-oops, the rim hanging and jersey tugging (but no baggy shorts) — might have reminded them of them.
Freshman Trey McKenny made four 3s and had 16 points for the Wolverines. Elliot Cadeau overcame a bout with his nut allergy to compile a crazy stat line: 13 points, 10 assists, six turnovers, five rebounds and four steals on 5-for-17 shooting. Even with that, Michigan finished 47.8% from the floor and 12 for 27 from 3.
About the only drama down the stretch was whether coach Dusty May’s team would join Jerry Tarkanian’s 1990 UNLV juggernaut as only the second team to hit triple digits at the Final Four in the modern era.
The Wolverines emptied the bench with a few minutes left and came up short, but no matter. Everybody knew who the better team was in this one — that it got figured out so early was the real shock.
AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness
Arizona's Koa Peat, right, hugs head coach Tommy Lloyd near the end of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game against Arizona at the Final Four, Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan's Will Tschetter (42) and Elliot Cadeau (3) celebrate during the second half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game against Arizona at the Final Four, Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan's Elliot Cadeau reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game against Arizona at the Final Four, Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) celebrates a basket against Arizona during the second half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Michigan center Aday Mara (15) dunks against Arizona during the second half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Michigan's Aday Mara (15) reacts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game against Arizona at the Final Four, Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan's Nimari Burnett, left, and Will Tschetter (42) celebrate during the second half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game against Arizona at the Final Four, Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)