Michigan Wolverines star Yaxel Lendeborg battled his way through injuries in the 91-73 Final Four win against the Arizona Wildcats.
The Wolverines star rolled his ankle after stepping on the foot of Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas while driving to the basket with 8:41 remaining in the first half and Michigan holding a 28-14 lead. After making his free throws, he limped off the floor. Upon his leaving, Arizona sparked seven straight points to make it 28-21. However, Michigan managed to go into halftime with 48-32 lead.
The injury was concerning since it was the same ankle that he had hurt during the Big East Tournament. Due to a twisted ankle and a possible MCL sprain, Lendeborg went back and forth between the bench and locker room, receiving ice treatment and re-taping.
Despite the injury, Lendeborg returned in the second half, making two 3-pointers to begin the second half. He made key contributions, as he finished the game with 11 points (shooting 3 of 4 from the floor), three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 14 minutes. Lendeborg was on the bench with his knee wrapped, with Michigan in control of the game with 13:32 remaining.
Yaxel Lendeborgh Vows To Play UConn In National Championship Game
After the Final Four game ended, Yaxel Lendeborg confirmed he sprained his left MCL and hurt his ankle as well in the first half against Arizona. However, the Wolverines player confirmed that he will most likely play in the national championship game.
“Coach said at worst, like MCL sprain,” Lendeborg said. “And obviously, I rolled my ankle. I’m gonna push through. There’s no way I’m missing the game on Monday night, no matter what goes on. I’m gonna play unless I can’t walk at all.”
Lendeborg is a contributing member of this Michigan team. He is averaging 15.2 points, 7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals this season. He shoots 52% from the field, including 37.2% from the 3-point line.
The first-team All-American was announced as the Big Ten Player of the Year after he led Michigan to the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. It remains to be seen whether his injury affects his ability to give his best in the national championship game against UConn.
Read More News:
Michigan vs. Arizona: Full Stats, Game Summary and Key Performers in March Madness Final Four
“Are They Booing”: Dan Hurley Taken by Surprise as Crowd Jeers UConn’s Final Four Win
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