CHICAGO – A last-second three-pointer from Yaxel Lendeborg propelled the University of Michigan men’s basketball team to a thrilling 68-65 victory over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Saturday, March 14, at the United Center. The win secures Michigan’s place in the championship game and keeps their hopes alive for a second consecutive Big Ten Tournament title.
The Wolverines, the tournament’s top seed, faced a fierce challenge from the Badgers, who mounted a significant comeback in the second half. After building a 15-point lead, Michigan saw Wisconsin erase the deficit with a 23-4 run. The game remained tightly contested in the final minutes, culminating in Lendeborg’s dramatic game-winner with just 0.4 seconds remaining on the clock.
This victory is particularly significant as it avenges Michigan’s sole loss of the Big Ten regular season. The team has now won all 17 games against Big Ten opponents this season, demonstrating their dominance within the conference. They will face the winner of the Purdue-UCLA matchup on Sunday in a bid for their second straight Big Ten Tournament championship.
Second-Half Surge and Wisconsin’s Response
Michigan appeared to be in control for much of the second half, embarking on a 36-13 run to establish a commanding 54-39 lead with 9:50 left to play. However, Wisconsin responded with an incredible shooting display, hitting eight three-pointers in just over five minutes, five of which came from Austin Rapp, to take a four-point advantage. Aday Mara helped U-M regain composure, scoring a crucial midrange jumper and a layup to tie the game with under two minutes remaining.
After a missed three-pointer from Elliot Cadeau, Lendeborg secured an offensive rebound and passed the ball back to Cadeau, who ultimately hit a contested three-pointer to briefly regain the lead. Wisconsin quickly answered with a three-pointer from Nick Boyd, setting the stage for Lendeborg’s game-winning shot.
Key Performances and Statistical Highlights
Aday Mara led the Wolverines in scoring with 16 points, while Elliot Cadeau contributed 15 points, seven assists, and three steals. Yaxel Lendeborg finished with 12 points, and Trey McKenney added 10. For Wisconsin, Austin Rapp led all scorers with 18 points, while Nick Boyd scored 14 points despite shooting 20 times. John Blackwell added 13 points, and Aleksas Bieliauskas finished with 10.
Michigan’s early success stemmed from capitalizing on Wisconsin’s slow start, as the Badgers made only one of their first ten shots in the second half. However, Wisconsin’s hot shooting later in the half nearly derailed the Wolverines’ efforts. Michigan finished the game shooting 26.7% from the field, making 8 of 30 attempts, and 4-for-15 from three-point range. They also committed eight turnovers.
First-Half Battle and Cadeau’s Impact
The first half was a closely contested affair, ending in a 28-28 tie. Wisconsin’s early shooting struggles gave way to a strong finish, fueled by three-pointers from Bieliauskas and Boyd. Michigan faced a temporary setback when Elliot Cadeau picked up his second foul and was forced to sit for the remainder of the half. However, Cadeau’s return in the second half proved pivotal, providing a significant boost to the Wolverines’ offense.
Cadeau’s impact was immediately felt, as he scored a slashing layup and a floater to extend Michigan’s lead. His three-pointer with 14:20 left gave the Wolverines their first double-digit lead of the game. Lendeborg also came alive in the second half, scoring his first points of the game with a three-pointer that tied the score at halftime and sparking a run that saw him contribute a spinning layup and a slam dunk.
Michigan will now turn their attention to the championship game, where they will await the winner of the Purdue-UCLA contest. The Wolverines are aiming to secure their second consecutive Big Ten Tournament title and solidify their position as a top contender heading into Selection Sunday.
The outcome of Sunday’s championship game will have significant implications for Michigan’s seeding in the NCAA Tournament. Fans can follow the game and stay updated on the team’s progress as they continue their pursuit of a national championship.
What are your thoughts on Michigan’s thrilling victory? Share your predictions for the championship game in the comments below!
