{"id":565795,"date":"2026-04-05T10:06:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T10:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/565795\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T10:06:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T10:06:09","slug":"yaxel-lendeborg-injury-dusty-may-invokes-duke-collapse-vs-uconn-to-defend-stars-late-game-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/565795\/","title":{"rendered":"Yaxel Lendeborg injury: Dusty May invokes Duke collapse vs. UConn to defend star’s late game return"},"content":{"rendered":"

Michigan<\/a> forward Yaxel Lendeborg<\/a> making it to Monday healthy couldn\u2019t be more important for the Wolverines if they want to beat UConn<\/a>. So it surprised many to see the star return to action late in the second half vs. Arizona<\/a>. But, head coach Dusty May<\/a> defended the move by invoking recent events.<\/p>\n

He had just one suggestion. Watch some Elite Eight tape of Duke\u2019s collapse vs. UConn.<\/p>\n

Lendeborg frightened Michigan fans during Saturday\u2019s Final Four win. In the first half, Lendeborg rolled his ankle<\/a> while making a move to the basket. He went back to the locker room not once but twice. And despite the TBS broadcast reporting he\u2019d eventually return, his second trip to the locker room cast doubt<\/a> on whether his night would actually continue.<\/p>\n

However, the Wolverines forward did return. Not only did he start the second half despite a 16-point lead, but he also returned around the 7-minute mark despite a 20-point lead. <\/p>\n

Many were surprised, while the TBS broadcast illuminated that Yaxelborg felt it was important to close the game with his teammates. May had a slightly different reasoning when questioned about bringing his injured star back into the game. <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, apparently, you guys missed the UConn-Duke<\/a> game,\u201d May quipped during his postgame press conference<\/a>. \u201cThe game was already decided. We\u2019re playing Duke tomorrow? They were up 19 in the second half, and who won?<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re playing Arizona statistically the number one or two team all year in the country and you\u2019re up 20 with ten minutes left, with eight and a half minutes left. We didn\u2019t feel quite as confident as you guys did that we could just put the kids to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Well apparently you guys missed the UConn\/Duke game.”<\/p>\n

Dusty May when asked why Yaxel was in the game late in the second half. pic.twitter.com\/Y3QDQh29Pj<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) April 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Yaxel Lendeborg vows to play on Monday vs. UConn<\/p>\n

It was revealed during the game that Lendeborg suffered an MCL sprain and ankle injur<\/a>y. He managed to gut through the blowout win on Saturday, but what about his status for Monday?<\/p>\n

Lendeborg left no doubt about where he stands on that matter. It\u2019s going to take an act of God and Congress to keep him off the court if his legs are functioning at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a weird feeling to have the pain that I\u2019m at right now,\u201d Lendeborg told Tracy Wolfson postgame.<\/a> \u201cI\u2019ve never experienced it before. Coach said, at worst, an MCL sprain. And then obviously, I rolled my ankle. So, just that. I\u2019m going to push through. There\u2019s no way I\u2019m missing the game Monday night, no matter what goes on. I\u2019m playing unless I can\u2019t walk at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

And judging by May\u2019s decision late in Saturday\u2019s win, he won\u2019t hesitate to give Lendeborg his wish. And let him close out the season on his terms. MCL sprain, ankle twist or not. <\/p>\n