In a season where Yaxel Lendeborg has consistently shone brightest on the road, his performance against No. 3 Duke was another chapter in his standout campaign.
Despite the No. 1 Michigan men’s basketball team ultimately falling short, Lendeborg's efforts were nothing short of valiant.
Facing the formidable Blue Devils, Lendeborg took charge from the outset. After his teammates got on the board, he exploded for 10 points in just two minutes, capitalizing on Michigan’s fast-paced offense. His aggressive drives and ability to finish at the rim, including a couple of and-1 plays, set the tone early.
“This game especially, I tried to set the tone early and I just try to push my will on them and make it a lot easier on the other guys,” Lendeborg explained.
Lendeborg wasn't just a force inside; he also contributed from beyond the arc. He smartly picked his spots, assisting his teammates in finding open shots. His first three-pointer came off an assist from junior guard Elliot Cadeau, while the second was a transition play where Lendeborg found his spot on the wing.
Defensively, Lendeborg had to step up even more after junior center Aday Mara got into foul trouble. Known for his versatility in guarding multiple positions, Lendeborg battled against Duke’s towering lineup. Despite his efforts, the Blue Devils managed to dominate the paint and the boards.
“There were times when we’re talking to each other like we cannot allow more twos,” Lendeborg said. “And that’s the first time I’ve ever heard anybody in our circle say that. So it was kind of frustrating because we thought we were playing pretty good defense, they were just making tough plays and tough shots.”
The second half saw a shift in Lendeborg’s offensive output. After a 16-point first half, he added just five more in the final 20 minutes. Though he continued to take high-percentage shots, his early success didn’t carry over.
As the game wore on, Michigan's offense struggled to diversify. Lendeborg attempted to close the gap with a series of three-point attempts, but only one found its mark. Other players, like Mara and sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr., struggled to make an impact, while the guards contributed just two points collectively.
Ultimately, Lendeborg finished with a game-leading 21 points on 59% true shooting. His first-half heroics couldn’t be sustained, and without additional support, Michigan couldn’t withstand Duke’s pressure. The Wolverines fell, but Lendeborg's effort was a testament to his resilience and skill.