The Michigan Wolverines edged out the Wisconsin Badgers, 68-65, in a thrilling Big Ten Tournament semifinal clash in Chicago. With this victory, Michigan, now boasting a 31-2 record, advances to face the winner of the Purdue vs. UCLA matchup in the championship.
Let’s dive into the key takeaways from this nail-biter.
Elliot Cadeau’s Redemption Arc
Elliot Cadeau's early foul trouble could have spelled disaster for the Wolverines. Picking up his second foul midway through the first half, Cadeau was benched, leaving Michigan scrambling.
Without their lead ball-handler, the Wolverines turned the ball over six times and missed eight consecutive three-pointers, allowing Wisconsin to carve out an eight-point lead. However, Cadeau returned in the second half with a vengeance, scoring 15 points and grabbing four rebounds, proving his resilience and importance to the team.
Coach Dusty May will undoubtedly continue to emphasize discipline to avoid these “dumb fouls” that nearly cost them the game.
Wisconsin’s Three-Point Barrage
The Badgers have been a thorn in Michigan's side from beyond the arc all season. After hitting 15 threes in their January upset over Michigan, they nailed seven in the first half and 16 overall in this game.
Wisconsin relied heavily on the three-ball, especially when both teams struggled early on. Nick Boyd, John Blackwell, and Aleksas Bieliauskas sparked Wisconsin’s offense with their deep shooting, but Michigan’s defense adjusted in the second half, limiting the Badgers to just one three-pointer in the first 10 minutes after the break.
Yaxel Lendeborg’s Clutch Performance
Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg had a slow start, but he came alive when it mattered most. After a quiet first half, Lendeborg hit a crucial basket right before halftime, igniting his confidence.
He went 3-for-3 in the second half, including the game-winning shot with mere seconds remaining. His presence, along with Mara and Johnson, was pivotal in protecting the rim and altering shots, helping Michigan stay in contention despite offensive struggles.
Michigan’s Size Advantage
Despite giving up 16 threes, Michigan’s size proved to be the difference-maker. The Wolverines' defense was stout, blocking six shots in the first half alone.
Offensively, they leveraged their size, going 17-for-33 from two-point range, with Mara leading the charge with 16 points. This commitment to dominating the paint paid off, showcasing a strategy that could be their ticket to success in the NCAA Tournament.
Michigan’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity was on full display. As they gear up for the championship, their size and resilience will be crucial weapons in their arsenal.