The No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines took down the No. 6 seed Tennessee Volunteers, 95-62, in the Elite Eight at the United Center, securing a spot in the Final Four for the first time under head coach Dusty May.
Michigan completely dominated the final 30 minutes of the game, turning an early deficit into a resounding victory. Yaxel Lendeborg finished with a game-high 27 points, helping Michigan improve to 35-3 overall on the season and clinch a berth in the Final Four.
Here are five takeaways from the
win.
The Wolverines hit a gear that only a few teams can reach
Michigan got off to a relatively sluggish start, trailing 16-14 midway through the first half. Then the Wolverines hit a gear that only a few other teams in the country can reach, going on a 21-0 run to take a 35-16 lead. Michigan made six straight shots during the run, while Tennessee went scoreless for nearly six minutes.
Lendeborg sparked the run with a dazzling fast-break finish. Three-pointers by Roddy Gayle Jr., Elliot Cadeau and Lendeborg completely blew the game open early on in the game.
Yaxel Lendeborg continues to be in full attack mode
Lendeborg has been criticized at times this season for not being aggressive enough, particularly in games that Michigan needs him to be. However, that sentiment seems to be a thing of the past, as he has been in full attack mode in recent games. The Big Ten Player of the Year is averaging 25.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in the last three games. It seems like he is becoming more comfortable as the go-to guy, just in time for Michigan to contend for a national championship.
Turnovers have been kept to a minimum in the tournament
Michigan had some sloppy turnovers throughout the season, but that just hasn’t been the case in the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines have been a lot more patient and under control on offense, committing just 40 turnovers in the last four games combined. During the regular season, Michigan averaged 12.2 turnovers per game, which ranked 257th in the country. Keeping turnovers to a minimum will continue to be a key factor in the Wolverines potentially winning the national title.
Michigan clinches Final Four spot for the first time in 2018
The Wolverines continue to etch their names in the history books, reaching the Final Four for the ninth time in program history, the third time in the last 14 years and the first time since 2018. There is plenty of work to be done, as Michigan is still searching for the school’s second national championship, but clinching a spot in the Final Four is an unforgettable accomplishment. The Wolverines are now just two wins away from reaching the ultimate goal and being crowned national champions.
Dusty May advances to second Final Four in the last four years
Even though Michigan hasn’t reached the Final Four since 2018, May was on college basketball’s biggest stage three years ago. During his stint as Florida Atlantic’s head coach, May led the Owls to the Final Four for the first time in school history in 2023. May is one of just two head coaches to compete in the Final Four twice in the last four seasons, along with UConn’s Dan Hurley. In the last few years, May has proven to be one of the nation’s best coaches, and he’s led Michigan back to prominence.
