Wolverines Ride 'Yax Attack' to Final Four Berth

Michigan routed Tennessee, 95-62, to advance to the NCAA Tournament semi-finals

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:03am

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The Michigan Wolverines used a dominant 21-0 scoring run fueled by Yaxel Lendeborg in the first half to cruise past Tennessee, 95-62, and advance to the Final Four. Lendeborg had 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal in a standout performance, earning Midwest Regional Most Outstanding Player honors. Michigan, a No. 1 seed, will face No. 2 seed Arizona in the national semi-finals on Saturday in Indianapolis.

Why it matters

Michigan's impressive run to the Final Four, including wins over higher-seeded teams like Alabama and Tennessee, showcases the team's depth, unselfishness, and defensive intensity. The Wolverines are looking to win their first national championship since 1989, when the Fab Five led them to the title game.

The details

Michigan used a 21-0 scoring run in the first half to take control of the game against Tennessee. Lendeborg sparked the run with a reverse layup that led to a 3-point play, and the Wolverines' defense held the Volunteers scoreless for over 6 minutes during the stretch. Michigan shot the ball well, with Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., Trey McKenney, and others contributing to the offensive onslaught. The Wolverines' balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for Tennessee to overcome.

  • Michigan beat Howard University, Saint Louis, Alabama, and Tennessee to reach the Final Four.
  • The Wolverines will face Arizona in the national semi-finals on Saturday, April 4, in Indianapolis.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

The 6-foot-9 point forward had 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal, earning Midwest Regional Most Outstanding Player honors.

Jett Cadeau

The senior guard scored 8 points and dished out 10 assists during the Wolverines' dominant win.

Aday Mara

The center had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks, including a 3-pointer, for Michigan.

Morez Johnson Jr.

The forward contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds to the Wolverines' balanced attack.

Dusty May

The Michigan head coach guided his team to the Final Four, the program's ninth appearance in the national semi-finals.

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What they’re saying

“It felt amazing. This whole tournament felt like a home game no matter where we were. We have a lot of Michigan fans everywhere in the world that are the best fans I've ever been a part of.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Forward

“Our guys have been up to the challenge, to deliver in the biggest moments all year, and nothing changed tonight.”

— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach

“Once we started hitting them back and they stopped getting offensive rebounds, the game definitely started to shift. Will [Tschetter] did a great job walling up and getting those loose balls or tipping it out for us, making it easier for all the other guys.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Forward

What’s next

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The takeaway

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