Michigan Star Lendeborg Shines in NCAA Tournament Victory

Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg dominates with 25 points in win over Saint Louis

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:33pm

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Michigan basketball star forward Yaxel Lendeborg had a standout performance on Saturday, scoring a game-high 25 points to lead the Wolverines to a 95-72 victory over Saint Louis in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Lendeborg shot an impressive 9-for-13 from the floor and added 6 rebounds in the win.

Why it matters

Lendeborg's big game was a crucial boost for the top-seeded Wolverines as they look to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. After a more passive outing in the opening round, Lendeborg's aggressive play and ability to score in the open floor was a key factor in Michigan's comfortable victory.

The details

Lendeborg, a 6'9" All-American, was encouraged by his teammates to be more assertive on the offensive end after a quiet performance in the first round. He responded with an efficient shooting display, converting 9 of his 13 field goal attempts. The highlight of his day was a spectacular coast-to-coast dunk in the second half that left the Michigan coaching staff in awe.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • Michigan advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament with the victory.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

A 6'9" star forward for the Michigan Wolverines basketball team who had a dominant 25-point performance in the team's NCAA Tournament victory over Saint Louis.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team, who praised Lendeborg's aggressive play and ability to score in the open floor.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I think he fed off his teammates; they encouraged him to be more aggressive. He is still improving at playing off the ball and using Aday (Mara) and Morez (Johnson Jr.) and Elliot's (Cadeau) leverage to put himself in position to score. When he is in the open floor, there have been a couple of times this year where he turned it over and that's in the back of his mind. We want him to let it rip and we can live with a few Yax turnovers.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

“That was incredible. I thought he went up and through some contact on the wrist and finished with a WWE body slam in the air and lands on balance. I'm in awe with some of the things our guys can do.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

What’s next

Lendeborg and the top-seeded Wolverines will now take on the winner of the Texas Tech vs. Alabama game, which is scheduled for tomorrow evening.

The takeaway

Lendeborg's dominant performance in the NCAA Tournament victory over Saint Louis was a crucial boost for the Wolverines as they look to make a deep run. His ability to be aggressive and score in the open floor will be key to Michigan's continued success in the tournament.