Even with squeaky Yaxel, Michigan blasts Arizona in Final Four thanks to supporting cast
Michigan basketball's supporting cast carried it past Arizona in the Final Four with Yaxel Lendeborg limited by an ankle injury. Up next, UConn.
INDIANAPOLIS — A Final Four matchup of high-scoring offenses was instead decided by Michigan’s defense, which held Arizona in check and delivered a 91-73 win to send the Wolverines to Monday night’s national championship game. The No. 1 Wolverines will meet No.
3 Connecticut, which beat No. 2 Illinois 71-62 in the first national semifinal. Michigan won despite the extended absence of All-America forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who battled foul trouble and an apparent lower-body injury and played a season-low 14 minutes.
He still managed to score 11 points on 3 of 4 shooting. More: Why was Dusty May scouting UConn-Illinois ahead of Michigan Final Four game Without Lendeborg serving as the focal point, the Wolverines leaned on center Aday Mara, who had a career-best 26 points to go with nine rebounds and three blocks. Point guard Elliot Cadeau had 13 points and 10 assists while guard Trey McKenney added 16 points while hitting 6 of 9 attempts.
Arizona was led by forward Koa Peat's 16 points, though the freshman made just 6 of 18 shots from the field. Overall, Arizona shot 36. 6% and committed 14 turnovers.