Yaxel Lendeborg injury update: Michigan star expected to play championship game
Yaxel Lendeborg said he expects to play in Michigan's national championship game vs. UConn. Dusty May provided an update on his star's injury.
INDIANAPOLIS – Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg is expected to "give it a go" in the national championship game after he was injured in the Final Four on Saturday, April 4. Coach Dusty May provided an update to his player on Sunday, April 5, after Lendeborg suffered a sprained MCL of his left knee and an injured ankle, per CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson. Lendeborg had an MRI earlier in the day and all imaging came back clean and he'll be receiving treatment.
"I'm sure he'll give it a go tomorrow, but that'd be entirely up to him and the medical staff," May said. While concerning, Michigan was able to continue without its star as it dominated Arizona in the semifinal to punch its ticket to the national championship game. After the win, Lendeborg told reporters he is "playing Monday night regardless" against Connecticut, going for the Wolverines' second national championship, and first since 1989.
Michigan vs UConn prediction, spread: Who is favored to win national championship? What happened to Yaxel Lendeborg? Lendeborg got hurt with just under nine minutes left in the first half of the semifinal game, appearing to have twisted his ankle after stepping on the foot of Wildcats forward Motiejus Krivas while going to the basket for a layup.
He left the game and headed to the locker room, not returning for the remainder of the first half despite coming back to the bench. Lendeborg went through warm-ups out of halftime and despite walking gingerly, he started the second half and played roughly nine minutes, knocking down two 3-pointers in the second half. The Wolverines had a commanding lead over Arizona, up by at least 20 points for nearly all of the second half.