In a thrilling showdown at Mackey Arena, the No. 1-ranked Michigan Wolverines secured a 91-80 victory over the No. 7 Purdue Boilermakers. This win marked Michigan's first triumph at Purdue since January 2021, and it was a game packed with intensity and standout performances.
Elliot Cadeau, reflecting on his role in the victory, noted the opportunities presented by the ball screen. "There were a lot of openings," Cadeau shared.
"With talented teammates, if I get them the ball in the right place, they’ll make the shot." His perseverance paid off as his shots started to fall in the second half, maintaining the same aggressive mindset throughout.
Yaxel Lendeborg, facing a fierce atmosphere and defensive pressure, expressed gratitude for his teammates' support. "The atmosphere was great," he said.
"My teammates had my back like they’re supposed to. We just did what we had to do."
Lendeborg highlighted the team's experience in handling hostile environments, drawing parallels to their previous matchup at Michigan State. "We preach staying together, being unselfish, and composed," he explained. Cadeau echoed this sentiment, praising the team's level-headedness and veteran-like poise, even among the freshmen.
Defensively, Michigan’s strategy to limit Purdue’s threes was key. Lendeborg focused on disrupting Braden Smith’s rhythm, using his length to force Smith into the paint and contest shots effectively.
Lendeborg also reflected on his growth at Michigan, crediting Coach Dusty for his development. "Guarding guards is something I wanted to showcase," he noted, emphasizing his focus on improving his approach and mentality.
The Wolverines displayed offensive versatility, with seven players hitting three-pointers and nine scoring in the first half alone. Cadeau enjoyed the free-flowing offense, saying, "Just having so many weapons on offense adds another aspect to my game."
Looking ahead, Michigan faces a challenging week with a top-10 matchup against Duke. Cadeau stressed the importance of maintaining focus, while Lendeborg emphasized staying grounded despite the hype surrounding big games.
Cadeau led the charge with 17 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, while Lendeborg contributed 13 points and seven assists.
However, the lead-up to the game wasn't without controversy. A video from May 2025 resurfaced, showing Lendeborg making inflammatory comments about Purdue.
Coach Dusty May addressed the incident, expressing disappointment but also viewing it as a learning opportunity for Lendeborg. "He’s a wonderful human being.
He’ll be better because of this," May concluded.
As the Wolverines continue their season, their focus remains on the court, ready to tackle the challenges ahead with resilience and unity.