Michigan basketball cashes in 'insurance policy' to reach Big Ten semi

Wolverines advance despite off night from Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:12pm

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Michigan basketball overcame an off night from Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg to defeat Ohio State 71-67 and advance to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. The Wolverines got key contributions from other players like Aday Mara, Elliot Cadeau, Morez Johnson Jr., and Trey McKenney to make up for Lendeborg's struggles. Coach Dusty May praised his team's depth and ability to find solutions when their primary options aren't at their best.

Why it matters

Michigan's ability to win despite an off night from their star player Lendeborg demonstrates the team's depth and resilience, which will be crucial as they continue their postseason run. The Wolverines' victory over Ohio State, a team they had previously beaten twice in the regular season, also shows their capacity to win tough, grind-it-out games in March.

The details

Michigan struggled offensively, with Lendeborg making just one field goal and Cadeau committing more turnovers than field goals. However, the Wolverines got strong performances from other players, including 17 points and 7 rebounds from Mara, 15 points and 7 assists from Cadeau, and 11 points and 7 rebounds from Johnson. Freshman Trey McKenney also chipped in 12 points off the bench. Michigan's defense also stepped up in the final minutes, holding Ohio State to just one made field goal in the last 5:41 to secure the victory.

  • Michigan defeated Ohio State 71-67 on March 13, 2026.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

The Big Ten Player of the Year, who struggled offensively but still made an impact with 6 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Elliot Cadeau

Michigan's point guard, who had 15 points and 7 assists, including scoring or assisting on 7 straight baskets in the second half to help the Wolverines pull away.

Aday Mara

A key contributor for Michigan, scoring a team-high 17 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.

Morez Johnson Jr.

Provided 11 points and 7 rebounds for the Wolverines.

Trey McKenney

A freshman McDonald's All-American who scored 12 points off the bench for Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“Just get to the next possession. Sometimes we're not pleased with the possession before or the 10 prior possessions and we just try to get to the next one with the best energy, effort, togetherness and plan that we can.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

“Honestly, I'd say I played bad on both sides of the ball today, which is on me and my effort. I could easily try to get myself going and force some shots up, but there's no need, you know? I got a lot of guys that I trust to score more than myself.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg

“Top three, for sure. He's wise beyond his years, his maturity is off the chain ... to be aggressive and he kind of plays a grown man style. You don't see too many 19-year-olds posting up and getting throwback buckets. How cerebral he is out there is exciting to see.”

— Nimari Burnett

What’s next

Michigan will play 5-seed Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET. The Wolverines lost to Wisconsin earlier this season, making this a chance for revenge.

The takeaway

Michigan's ability to win a tough, grind-it-out game in the Big Ten Tournament despite an off night from their star player Yaxel Lendeborg demonstrates the team's depth, resilience, and coaching acumen. This 'insurance policy' of having multiple contributors who can step up will be crucial as the Wolverines continue their postseason push.