Dusty May Calls Yaxel Lendeborg Big Ten’s Best After Rivalry Win

The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines capped their regular season with a statement win on Sunday night, defeating the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans 90-80 in one of college basketball’s most intense rivalries. While Michigan’s balanced offense played a major role in the outcome, the spotlight ultimately belonged to star forward Yaxel Lendeborg, whose standout performance helped power the Wolverines to another impressive victory.

Head coach Dusty May, now in his second season at Michigan and eighth overall as a head coach, has built a reputation for developing high-level talent. Lendeborg appears to be the latest example of that success. After the game, May offered strong praise for his forward, going as far as to label him the conference’s top player.

“I think it’s pretty obvious why Yaxel Lendeborg is Big Ten Player of the Year,” May said during the broadcast following the game. The remark reflected both Lendeborg’s performance against Michigan State and his consistent impact throughout the season.

Michigan’s victory pushed the Wolverines to an impressive 29-2 overall record and 19-1 mark in Big Ten play, securing the conference’s regular-season title outright. With the postseason approaching, the Wolverines enter tournament play with strong momentum and a roster that has proven capable of competing with the nation’s best teams.

1. Lendeborg Leads Rivalry Victory

Yaxel Lendeborg delivered one of his most complete performances of the season in Michigan’s rivalry clash with Michigan State. Playing 38 minutes, the forward finished with 27 points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block while showcasing efficiency from nearly every area of the court. Lendeborg shot 8-of-12 from the field, including an impressive 5-of-6 from three-point range. He also converted all six of his free-throw attempts, demonstrating both shooting precision and composure under pressure in a high-stakes matchup. The performance was particularly impactful given the significance of the rivalry. Michigan State entered the game ranked eighth nationally and had been one of the conference’s toughest opponents all season. Lendeborg’s ability to rise to the moment helped Michigan maintain control during key stretches. For May, the outing further reinforced his belief that Lendeborg belongs among the top players in the conference. The forward’s scoring ability, versatility, and leadership have played a crucial role in Michigan’s dominance this season.

2. Balanced Offense Fuels Michigan’s Success

While Lendeborg led the scoring effort, Michigan’s victory was also fueled by a strong supporting cast. Five Wolverines finished the game in double figures, reflecting the team-oriented approach that has defined the program’s success. Morez Johnson Jr. contributed 18 points along with seven rebounds, two blocks, and an assist. His physical presence inside provided Michigan with crucial second-chance opportunities and defensive stops during critical stretches of the game. Roddy Gayle Jr. added 15 points and four rebounds, helping maintain offensive momentum whenever Michigan State attempted to close the gap. Meanwhile, Trey McKenney recorded 12 points and two rebounds, while Aday Mara chipped in 10 points and five rebounds to round out the scoring effort. This balanced attack has been a key factor in Michigan’s remarkable season. Rather than relying solely on one star, the Wolverines have consistently spread the scoring responsibility across the roster, allowing them to remain dangerous even when defenses focus heavily on Lendeborg.

3. Wolverines Eye Postseason Run

Michigan’s victory over Michigan State not only secured bragging rights but also capped off one of the most dominant regular seasons in program history. The Wolverines finished 29-2 overall and 19-1 in conference play, earning the Big Ten regular-season championship outright. As the conference’s top seed, Michigan receives a triple bye into the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. This advantage allows the team additional time to rest and prepare while other teams battle through earlier rounds. The Wolverines will begin their postseason campaign on March 13 at 11 a.m. ET, where they will face an opponent determined by earlier tournament matchups. Entering as one of the nation’s highest-ranked teams, Michigan is widely considered a strong contender for both the conference title and a deep NCAA Tournament run. With players like Lendeborg leading the way and a deep supporting cast contributing consistently, Michigan appears well-positioned to maintain its momentum as March Madness approaches. The team’s combination of star power, depth, and coaching experience could make them one of the most dangerous squads in the postseason field.