Michigan Advances, Alabama's Run Ends

0:00On March 28th, top-seated Michigan punched their ticket to the Elite 8 with a 90-77 win over Alabama in the Sweet 16th. The Crimson tie came out hot, grabbing an early double-digit lead, but the Wolverines flipped the script and never looked back after halftime. Alabama clung to a slim two-point edge at the break thanks to a big first-half-scoring burst from Guard LeBaron Fielan. But Michigan exploded for a 20-to-8 run right out of the locker room, sparked by their front court star Yaxxel-Lendaborg, who dominated inside. And out. Coach Nate Oates has long called out his team's sluggish second half-starts, and it doomed them again here, as Alabama shots went cold early. Lendaborg stuffed the stat sheet with 23 points, 12 revounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals, while teammates, Trey McKenney and Roddy, Gail Jr. added 17 and 16 points a piece. Milan fought hard in what might have been his last game for Alabama, dropping 35 points

1:00along with six boards and four assists. teammate LaTrell Wrightsel, chipped in 15, though his outside shot deserted him down the stretch. Michigan's balanced attack and defensive grit proved too much, advancing them deeper into March Madness, while capping Alabama's strong campaign at, 25 wins, a fourth straight sweet 16-trip, and a runner-up SEC finish.