Michigan basketball is making waves, and their latest victory confirms their elite status. The Wolverines, a 1-seed, took down 4-seed Alabama with a commanding 90-77 win in the Sweet 16 at United Center, securing their spot in the Elite Eight of the Midwest Regional final.
Awaiting Michigan is the winner of the Iowa State vs. Tennessee matchup.
The regional final is set for Sunday at 2:15 p.m. ET on CBS.
This season has been nothing short of historic for Michigan (34-3), setting a new program record for wins. Their second-half surge, a 23-8 run, was pivotal in pulling away from Alabama.
Yaxel Lendeborg, the Big Ten player of the year, was a standout performer with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. His shooting was on point, going 8-for-12 overall and 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. Elliot Cadeau also shined with 17 points and six assists.
The Wolverines’ bench depth was crucial. Freshman Trey McKenney dropped 17 points, and senior Roddy Gayle Jr. contributed 16, including three key 3-pointers and an impactful and-one play.
Michigan outgunned Alabama at their own game. Known for their prolific 3-point shooting, Alabama was outpaced by Michigan’s 13 of 27 (48.1%) compared to Alabama’s 14 of 46 (30.4%).
Alabama’s Labaron Philon Jr. was impressive with a game-high 35 points, but Michigan’s defensive adjustments in the second half, led by coach Dusty May, were game-changing. They outscored Alabama 43-28 after halftime.
Despite trailing 49-47 at the break, Michigan’s strategy to counter Alabama’s 3-point barrage and size advantage paid off. They dominated in points off turnovers (14-7), rebounds (46-32), bench points (33-6), points in the paint (32-18), fastbreak points (17-4), and blocks (8-1).
Lendeborg was instrumental in the second half. He opened with a crossover step-back 3, followed by an offensive rebound and putback, and a key steal leading to a Burnett slam. His playmaking continued with assists and timely shots, including a 3-pointer that stretched Michigan’s lead.
Alabama made a push, narrowing the gap to 75-67, but Michigan’s Aday Mara halted their momentum with a powerful put-back slam.
The game was a track meet from the start. Alabama jumped to an early lead, but Michigan quickly responded with a 12-2 run, fueled by Lendeborg and McKenney’s 3-pointers. The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading blows.
Michigan’s defense tightened in the second half, and their offense continued to excel, propelling them to the Elite Eight. The Wolverines are now just one win away from cutting down the nets at United Center, a testament to their growth and resilience since last year’s Sweet 16 exit against Auburn.