In a thrilling showdown at the Big Ten tournament semifinals, Michigan basketball overcame a relentless 3-point assault by Wisconsin to secure a dramatic 68-65 victory. The Wolverines, who had previously struggled against the Badgers' sharpshooting in Ann Arbor, found redemption thanks to some clutch plays down the stretch.
Elliot Cadeau ignited the Wolverines with a critical 3-pointer late in the game, momentarily giving Michigan the edge. But Wisconsin responded quickly, setting the stage for Yaxel Lendeborg's heroics. With the clock winding down, Lendeborg, the Big Ten Player of the Year, delivered a memorable game-winner from the wing, propelling Michigan into the Big Ten championship game.
The game was a tale of 3-point shooting prowess. Wisconsin, known for their deep-ball efficiency, drained 16 triples, including a blistering nine in the second half.
Despite this, Michigan's resilience shone through. They struggled offensively at times, hitting just 51 percent of their 2-point attempts, but found their rhythm when it mattered most.
Cadeau's early second-half 3-pointer extended Michigan's lead to 11, but the Badgers mounted a comeback, taking a late 62-60 lead. Aday Mara, who led Michigan with 16 points, scored crucially in the paint, setting up the final moments where two decisive triples sealed the Wolverines' path to the championship.
Now, Michigan stands on the brink of sweeping both the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles. Awaiting them is a matchup against either Purdue or UCLA. With Mara's scoring, Cadeau's timely contributions, and Lendeborg's unforgettable shot, the Wolverines are poised for a thrilling finale.