Why was Yaxel Lendeborg still playing in Final Four blowout? Dusty May explains

No one would have blamed Michigan coach Dusty May if he rested his star player in the second half of the 2026 Men’s NCAA Tournament Final Four on Saturday night.

Yet May opted to bring his hobbled star Yaxel Lendeborg back into the 91-73 win over Arizona despite a first-half leg injury Lendeborg suffered, and despite a big lead for the Wolverines for much of the game.

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Why? May has learned from previous NCAA Tournament experience that a lead is never safe.

ARMOUR: Yaxel Lendeborg is best player in Final Four. Toughest, too

REQUIRED READING: Michigan-Arizona was supposed to be game of the year. What happened?

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Arizona vs Michigan, Final Four championship stakes. See photos

Morez Johnson Jr. #21 of the Michigan Wolverines dunks the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Arizona vs Michigan, Final Four championship stakes. See photos

Morez Johnson Jr. #21 of the Michigan Wolverines dunks the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Arizona vs Michigan, Final Four championship stakes. See photos

Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) scores against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

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Arizona vs Michigan, Final Four championship stakes. See photos

Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts with teammates against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Arizona vs Michigan, Final Four championship stakes. See photos

Yaxel Lendeborg #23 and Trey McKenney #1 of the Michigan Wolverines react while playing against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in…

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Publish date : 2026-04-05 13:59:00

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