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Rocky Top Today
By the People, for the People
Michigan Coach Says Tennessee Wants 'Armageddon' Matchup
Wolverines and Volunteers set to clash in Elite Eight showdown
Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:21pm
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A cubist interpretation of the intense, physical battle expected between Michigan and Tennessee in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.Rocky Top TodayMichigan head coach Dusty May said that Tennessee is looking for an all-out brawl in their upcoming Elite Eight matchup on Sunday, describing it as 'feudal warfare in the paint.' May noted that the Volunteers are a 'throwback' team that dominates the glass and will present a major challenge for the top-ranked Wolverines.
Why it matters
This highly anticipated Elite Eight clash features two of the hottest teams in the NCAA Tournament, with Michigan ranked as the best team in the country and Tennessee proving to be a physical, relentless squad on the boards. The winner will advance to the Final Four, making this a pivotal game with major implications.
The details
In Michigan's Sweet 16 win over Alabama, coach May said he wanted his team in a 'street fight' rather than a track meet. Now he believes Tennessee is seeking an even more intense 'Armageddon' type of matchup, given the Volunteers' dominance on the glass and ability to grind out second-chance points. Tennessee out-rebounded Iowa State 43-22 in the Sweet 16, including 16 offensive boards, showcasing their physicality.
- Michigan and Tennessee will face off on Sunday, April 6th at 2:15 PM ET in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament.
- Tennessee was last a bigger underdog than the current 7.5-point spread against Michigan back in 2020 against Kentucky.
The players
Dusty May
The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.
Yaxel Lendeborg
The star forward for the Michigan Wolverines, averaging 14.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
What they’re saying
“'They want Armageddon. It's going to be a brawl. It's literally going to be feudal warfare in the paint.'”
— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach
“'Tennessee is throwback. They're No. 1 in the country in offensive rebounding. Out of 79 Power Five teams, they're 65th in first-shot offensive efficiency and they're an efficient offense as a whole. So this shows you how dangerous they are with their second, third, and fourth shots even.'”
— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach
What’s next
The winner of the Michigan-Tennessee matchup will advance to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.
The takeaway
This Elite Eight clash between the top-ranked Wolverines and the physical, relentless Volunteers promises to be an intense, physical battle that could come down to which team can control the boards and create second-chance opportunities. The winner will punch their ticket to the Final Four, making this a pivotal game with major implications for both programs.
