Michigan secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight with a 90-77 victory over Alabama in Chicago on Friday night. Dusty May’s team advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in five years. Yaxel Lendeborg was the star of the game for Michigan. He had 23 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists in an all-around performance.
The win gave top-seeded Michigan its 34th win of the season, a new school record. Trey McKenney and Elliot Cadeau each scored 17 points. Roddy Gayle Jr. added 16 points. But Michigan’s bench unit was the key to the win. McKenney and Gayle led the Wolverines with 33 points off the bench, while Alabama only managed 6.
The first half was a fast-paced and aggressive affair. Both Michigan and Alabama quickly attacked the rim after gaining possession and took long-range shots. Michigan went on a 14-3 run late in the first half to gain momentum. But Alabama’s Labaron Philon Jr. scored eight straight points to give the team a 49-47 lead at halftime. The two teams combined for 74 shots in the first half, including 39 three-point attempts. This statistic speaks to how fast the game was.
Yaxel Lendeborg completely changed the game in the second half. He intercepted an Alabama pass and set up a fast-break, from which Nimari Burnett dunked to give Michigan a 54-51 lead. Lendeborg then made a 3-pointer and a driving layup to further increase the lead. Michigan consistently maintained control in the final 15 minutes of the game, and Alabama never came back.
Labaron Philon Jr. scored 35 points for Alabama. Latrell Wrightsell Jr. added 15 points. However, the Alabama backcourt was unable to come out at full strength without Aden Holloway. Holloway was suspended for felony drug charges after his March 16 arrest, meaning the Crimson Tide didn’t have him for this tournament run. His absence was especially noticeable at a crucial time.
Michigan now faces a bigger challenge. The Wolverines will play the winner of the Elite Eight game between Iowa State and Tennessee. The crucial matchup will be played at 2:15 p.m. Sunday. CBS will telecast the game live, with Andrew Catalon, Steve Lappas and Evan Washburn on the call.
Michigan is now one step away from a Final Four berth. Given their current form, depth and the dominance of Yaxel Lendeborg, it won’t be easy to stop the Wolverines. Michigan is now a serious contender in March Madness.