The Michigan Wolverines secured a narrow 68-65 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday thanks to a game-winning three from star forward Yaxel Lendeborg in the final seconds.
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The defensive matchup was closely contested for the entire first half, with the score tied 28-28 at the break.
The Wolverines put together a 10-2 scoring run early in the second half, appearing to take control. After several scoreless minutes, Wisconsin stormed back into the game with a blistering 23-6 scoring run.
As both teams exchanged shots, the Wolverines found themselves in possession of the ball in a tie game in the final ten seconds. As the final moments ticked away, Lendeborg knocked down a catch-and-shoot three to give Michigan the lead with less than a second to play.
He finished the game with 12 points and five rebounds while Aday Mara had 16 points, eight rebounds and five blocks.
For Wisconsin, Austin Rapp knocked down six threes on his way to 18 points and six rebounds.
The Wolverines will now face the winner of Saturday’s Purdue-UCLA matchup in the Big Ten Tournament Championship.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
