Michigan Wolverines Advance to Sweet 16 with Dominant Win Over Saint Louis

Michigan basketball coach Dusty May and players discuss the team's 95-72 victory over Saint Louis in the NCAA Tournament

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The Michigan Wolverines basketball team defeated the Saint Louis Billikens 95-72 to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Michigan head coach Dusty May and players Elliot Cadeau, Yaxel Lendeborg, and Nimari Burnett spoke with the media after the game, discussing the team's strong performance, Lendeborg's aggressive play, and the squad's chemistry and connectivity.

Why it matters

Michigan's victory over Saint Louis extends their season and keeps them alive in the NCAA Tournament, where they are looking to make a deep run after reaching the Sweet 16 last year. The Wolverines have shown growth from last season, with a more talented and connected roster that has them poised for potential tournament success.

The details

Michigan jumped out to an early lead and maintained control throughout the game, leading by as many as 23 points. The Wolverines shot the ball well, limiting turnovers, and received strong performances from several players. Yaxel Lendeborg in particular stood out, with a highlight-reel dunk that energized the team. Saint Louis made a run to start the second half, but Michigan was able to weather the storm and pull away for the comfortable victory.

  • Michigan opened the game on a strong note, leading by 10 points at halftime.
  • Saint Louis made a push to start the second half, cutting the deficit to single digits, but Michigan responded with a run to regain control of the game.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team, who is in his third season leading the program.

Elliot Cadeau

A junior guard for the Michigan Wolverines, who has been a key facilitator and playmaker for the team.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A graduate forward for the Michigan Wolverines, who had a standout performance in the win over Saint Louis, including a highlight-reel dunk that energized the team.

Nimari Burnett

A graduate guard for the Michigan Wolverines, who has provided valuable experience and leadership for the team.

Josh Schertz

The head coach of the Saint Louis Billikens basketball team, whose squad fell to Michigan in the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I'm extremely proud to be a part of this team and the way they played ball today against an excellent basketball team, well coached, and to see how well they play together, how well they cover each other, even through the mistakes, they just have each other's backs.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

“It's been a lot different, physicality, speed, just overall game of basketball-wise, it's been a lot different than what I've been used to. That's why I have such an appreciation for teams like St. Louis or Howard, those mid-major, low major teams, because it's hard to get here.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg, Graduate Forward, Michigan Wolverines

“Dominican LeBron. It's as simple as those two words, but also just his aggression going to the basket. At that point in the game, we were up 10 or so, but it gave us another boost to extend the lead and continue to have good defensive intensity.”

— Nimari Burnett, Graduate Guard, Michigan Wolverines

What’s next

The Michigan Wolverines will advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face their next opponent in Chicago on March 25.

The takeaway

Michigan's dominant performance over Saint Louis showcases the team's growth and potential, as they continue their quest for a deep NCAA Tournament run. The Wolverines' strong chemistry, balanced scoring, and defensive intensity have them poised to make noise in the upcoming regional semifinals.