Michigan’s historic season rolled on with a 90-77 victory over #4 seed Alabama in the Sweet 16. The program-record 34th win of the season didn’t come easy as #1 seed Michigan trailed 49-47 at the half. Dusty May’s halftime adjustments paid off as the Wolverines outscored the Crimson Tide 43-28 in the second half to run away with the victory.
A dominant offensive quartet
Yaxel Lendeborg proved why he is a first-team All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year by posting 23 points on 8/12 from the field, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists. He buried three of four attempts behind the long line as well. What truly separates Lendeborg is his impact on the defensive end. Alabama plays a five-out style of offense with everyone on the three-point line, forcing the defense to fight over screens and guard tightly. Lendeborg’s ability to defend anyone on the floor at a high level proved critical once again tonight.
Lendeborg kept Michigan in the fight in the first half, but took over in the second. He scored or assisted on the opening seven points out of the half, posted seven boards, and handled the Alabama point-of-attack with ease.
The trio of Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney, and Roddy Gayle Jr. played lights out tonight. Cadeau scored 17 points with 7 assists in 34 minutes. Without L.J. Cason, Cadeau has really stepped up in the tournament. Off the bench, McKenney added 17 points, and Gayle put up 16. Each guy buried three triples across 17 total attempts. What a luxury it is for Dusty May to have Gayle and McKenney off the bench. Both bring the intensity on the defensive end and are proficient scorers.
A shaky first half
An early barrage of Tide three-pointers put Michigan in an early nine-point hole. The Wolverines defense struggled to defend the three ball in the first half, giving up nine triples. Alabama dictated the breakneck pace in the early minutes, forcing Michigan to play right into their hands. They captured seven offensive rebounds and forced six Michigan turnovers to hold the lead for the majority of the half.
Michigan fought to take a 47-41 lead, but surrendered an 8-0 run in the final two minutes to enter the break down by two. Aday Mara missed a shot with 15 seconds left despite the shot clock being off, Michigan subsequently fouled, and Alabama hit both free throws to take the lead 49-47.
Second half defensive dominance
Whatever Dusty May said in the locker room at halftime, it worked and then some. Michigan held Alabama to its lowest second half point total of the season at 28. The Tide shot 5/23 from deep in the second half. Michigan’s closeouts were much sharper, forcing Bama to take more contested shots. Outside of Labaron Philon Jr., who shined with 35 points, the Tide offense did not have any answers for the tightened Michigan defense. Alabama finished 14/47 (30%) from three for the game, and 25/69 (36%) overall.
Meanwhile, the offense stayed hot, putting up 43 in the second frame. They attacked the paint with more aggression and began to dictate the pace of the game. Cadeau and Lendeborg remained in control of the offense, scoring and assisting at will. A complete performance from the offense.
A forgettable night for Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr.
While Lendeborg, Cadeau, Gayle, and McKenney stood out, it was a night to forget for Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. Coming in, we knew it would be a challenge for Mara to get going due to Alabama’s distinct style of play. That proved true, particularly in the first half, as they picked on Mara’s drop coverage and hit open shots. Mara notched only 8 points and 5 rebounds. He did add 2 blocks and 4 assists, but was nowhere near his usual impactful self.
Morez Johnson Jr. struggled mightily on the offensive end, shooting just 3/10 from the field and scoring 7 points. Johnson missed multiple layups and turned the ball over twice. He did record 8 rebounds and two blocks, but was unable to contribute on the offensive end as he has all season. Fortunately, Yaxel Lendeborg and the guard trio more than made up for it.
Up next
Michigan is off to the Elite Eight for the fifth time this century and the first time since 2021. They are one win away from returning to the Final Four for the first time since 2018, when they fell to Villanova in the national championship. They await the winner of Tennessee-Iowa State, which is underway as of this post. Dusty May and company look to continue Michigan’s historic season on Sunday in Chicago.
