Michigan beat Alabama 90-77 to reach NCAA Elite Eight as Lendeborg stars

Yaxel Lendeborg delivered a commanding 23-point performance to lead Michigan to a 90-77 victory over Alabama in Chicago on Friday, securing their first NCAA Elite Eight appearance in five years.

The top-seeded Wolverines established a new school record with their 34th victory of a remarkable season.

Big Ten player of the year Lendeborg dominated the second half, adding 12 rebounds and seven assists to his impressive scoring tally.

Crucial contributions also came from the Michigan bench, who outscored their opponents 33-6 largely thanks to Trey McKenney and Roddy Gayle Jr.

Crimson Tide fall short without suspended Holloway

Alabama put up a resilient fight in the high-tempo contest despite missing star guard Aden Holloway.

The sophomore was suspended indefinitely following a March arrest on felony drug charges.

Labaron Philon Jr attempted to shoulder the scoring burden for the fourth seeds, registering 35 points in a losing effort.

Latrell Wrightsell Jr also chipped in with 15 points, but the Crimson Tide could not match their opponents’ second-half intensity.

Historic run continues in Midwest Region

Elliot Cadeau matched McKenney’s output with 17 points to ensure the Michigan offense operated smoothly throughout the regional semifinal.

Defeat ends a streak of two consecutive Elite Eight appearances for the Crimson Tide, who finish their campaign with a 25-10 record.

The Wolverines will now turn their attention to Sunday’s Midwest Region final, where they face the winner of the clash between Tennessee and Iowa State.