Michigan blows out Saint Louis to reach Sweet 16, Yaxel Lendeborg shines
Behind Yaxel Lendeborg's big second half, Michigan beat Saint Louis to advance to the Sweet 16 next week in Chicago.
BUFFALO, NY — No. 1 Michigan ’s defense stepped up and delivered a 95-72 win against No. 9 Saint Louis to send the Wolverines back into the Sweet 16.
The Wolverines have now reached the second weekend in each of the program’s past seven tournament appearances dating to 2017. Saint Louis was looking for its first trip to the Sweet 16 since 1957. All-America forward Yaxel Lendeborg led Michigan with 25 points on 9 of 13 shooting.
Center Aday Mara had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and a team-leading 4 blocks. Saint Louis was led by guard Dion Brown's 13 points. Playing in his final college game, center Robbie Avila had 9 points on just 3 of 13 shooting, including 3 of 10 from 3-point range.
The Billikens came into Saturday ranked eighth nationally with 87. 7 points per game after beating No. 9 Georgia 102-77 in the opening round.