Michigan's Masterclass: Wolverines Roll into the Sweet Sixteen
In a commanding display at KeyBank Center, Michigan men's basketball secured their spot in the Sweet Sixteen, dispatching Saint Louis with a 95-72 victory. The performance left Billikens coach Josh Schertz singing the Wolverines' praises, labeling them as potentially the best team in the nation.
Schertz noted, “The margin against them is so small. You’ve got to be almost perfect on both ends.” His admiration was well-founded as Michigan's starting lineup all hit double digits in scoring, showcasing a team firing on all cylinders.
Yaxel Lendeborg led the charge with an impressive 25 points, shooting 9-for-13 from the floor. His highlight reel included a Eurostep transition dunk and a dazzling three-quarters-court pass to Aday Mara for a reverse oop. Elliot Cadeau also shone brightly, orchestrating the offense with eight assists and sinking three of his five attempts from beyond the arc.
The key to Michigan's dominance? A roster that fits together like puzzle pieces.
Schertz emphasized the Wolverines' intelligent team construction, highlighting their unselfish play and complementary skill sets. As Michigan extended a nine-point first-half lead to 25 in the second, it was clear that each player knew their role and executed it flawlessly.
Aday Mara, standing tall at 7'3", showcased his versatility as both a scorer and an underrated passer, often serving as the offensive hub. Morez provided a strong presence on both ends with his rebounding and physicality.
Yaxel Lendeborg, a potential NBA lottery pick, demonstrated his all-around game with his ability to handle the ball and shoot from deep. Meanwhile, Cadeau’s pick-and-roll prowess cemented his status as one of the top point guard passers in college basketball.
Depth off the bench added another layer of challenge for opponents. McKenney, a five-star talent, along with Tschetter and Roddy Gayle, contributed significantly, ensuring Michigan maintained its high level of play throughout the game.
Schertz acknowledged the difficulty of defending a team like Michigan, especially when they shoot nearly 60 percent from three. “They’re really impossible to guard,” he admitted, recognizing the Wolverines as a formidable opponent not just for Saint Louis, but for any team they face.
Looking ahead, Michigan will take on either Alabama or Texas Tech in the Sweet Sixteen at the United Center in Chicago. With their current form, the Wolverines are poised to be a tough out for anyone standing in their path.