For Michigan basketball fans, few things are sweeter than a season sweep over their in-state rivals, Michigan State. This victory capped off a historic 29-win regular season for the Wolverines, marking their best ever. With a 19-1 record in the Big Ten, they secured the regular season title and are virtually guaranteed a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
Head coach Dusty May has his sights set on clinching the Big Ten tournament championship, a feat reminiscent of John Beilein's era. But before we dive into that, let's break down three critical takeaways from this latest top-10 victory over Michigan State.
Yaxel Lendeborg Steps Up
Yaxel Lendeborg continues to elevate his game against formidable opponents. Averaging 26.5 points in two matchups with Michigan State, he’s been shooting at an impressive 56 percent from the field and 60 percent from beyond the arc.
In the first game, he added 12 rebounds to his tally. On Sunday, he showcased his versatility with three assists, three rebounds, a block, and a steal.
Lendeborg's performance wasn’t just about scoring; he embraced the role of a playmaker, compensating for LJ Cason's absence. His ability to win one-on-one battles and score against tough defenses is exactly what Michigan needs for a national championship run.
On Sunday, he looked every bit a top-10 draft pick, creating and scoring in isolation, hitting corner threes, and drawing fouls. His mid-range game was on point, setting the stage for a deep tournament run.
The Return of Old-School Roddy Gayle
Roddy Gayle reminded fans of his clutch NCAA tournament performance last season. Against Michigan State, the senior poured in 15 points, attacked the basket, and dished out three assists. His efficiency was noteworthy, going 4 of 5 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from the line.
Gayle, who once averaged 13 points per game at Ohio State, has found a perfect fit alongside Trey McKenney. While not quite in the mold of Elliot Cadeau, McKenney spaces the floor effectively, allowing Gayle to exploit defenses with his aggressive drives and post-up plays. Dusty May’s strategy to leverage Gayle more has paid off, with Gayle stepping up in crucial moments.
Trey McKenney Handles the Heat
Despite LJ Cason's injury, Trey McKenney's role has remained steady, with one key difference: he’s handling the ball more. While Dusty May hasn’t fully shifted primary ball-handling duties to McKenney, he’s shared the load with Gayle and even Lendeborg. Against Michigan State, McKenney was cool under pressure, committing just one turnover while hitting two clutch three-pointers and scoring 12 points.
His ability to make plays against one of the nation's toughest defenses bodes well for Michigan's future. The Wolverines will rely on Yaxel, Trey, and Roddy to replicate their Sunday performances if they hope to cut down the nets in April. If they maintain this level of play, it's hard to see any team, Duke included, standing in their way.