Lendeborg’s buzzer-beating triple secured a revenge win for Michigan, sending them to the championship game after a hard-fought semifinal thriller.
For 39 minutes and 59 seconds, the United Center was a pressure cooker of Big Ten intensity. But with just 0.4 seconds remaining, Yaxel Lendeborg turned the heat off, drilling a tiebreaking three-pointer to lift No. 3 Michigan to a 68-65 victory over No. 23 Wisconsin in a thrilling conference semifinal.
The win not only sends the top-seeded Wolverines (31-2) to the Big Ten Tournament championship game but also serves as a dish of cold revenge. Wisconsin was the only team to beat Michigan during the conference regular season—a 91-88 upset back in January—and for much of Saturday afternoon, it looked like the Badgers might pull off the repeat.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to find a rhythm under the bright lights of the United Center. Michigan’s Aday Mara was the focal point early, using his massive frame to alter shots on one end and finish at the rim on the other. He finished the game with 16 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks, anchored the paint in a way that made every Wisconsin drive a risky proposition.
Wisconsin, however, refused to blink. Despite trailing for much of the first period, the Badgers' backcourt duo of Nick Boyd and John Blackwell kept them within striking distance. Boyd, coming off a career-high 38-point performance against Illinois on Friday, was hounded by Michigan's perimeter defenders but still managed to manufacture points when the shot clock wound down.
The Second Half Surge
The game opened up after the break. Wisconsin’s Austin Rapp became the unlikely spark plug for the Badgers. After a scoreless first half, Rapp went on a tear, knocking down six three-pointers in the second half alone to finish with 18 points. His barrage from deep silenced the pro-Michigan crowd and gave the Badgers a late lead.
Michigan responded through Elliot Cadeau, whose poise at the point guard position calmed the Wolverines during Wisconsin’s 15-3 run mid-way through the half. Cadeau finished with 15 points and a handful of crucial assists, including the one that set up the final fireworks.
The Final Minute
With the game knotted at 62-62, Cadeau hit a massive triple with 45 seconds left. Wisconsin didn't panic; Boyd answered immediately with a clutch three of his own to tie it at 65.
On the final possession, Michigan initially looked to feed Mara inside. When the entry pass was denied, the ball swung to Cadeau, who found Lendeborg at the top of the key. Lendeborg, the Big Ten Player of the Year who had been relatively quiet most of the afternoon, didn't hesitate. His shot hit nothing but net, leaving the Badgers with no time for a meaningful response.
What’s Next?
Michigan advances to the Big Ten Championship on Sunday, where they will look to secure their second consecutive tournament title and solidify a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Wisconsin, despite the heartbreaking loss, has likely done enough to secure a solid seed in the Big Dance. Their ability to push the nation's No. 3 team to the brink twice this season proves they will be a dangerous out in March.