Michigan's Elite 8 game against Tennessee honestly couldn't have started worse for the Wolverines.
Aday Mara got two quick fouls. Tennessee had seven offensive rebounds, and five points off turnovers in the first five minutes.
Michigan also started a little cold. The score was 16-14, Tennessee. That's when Yaxel Lendeborg took over.
The All-American and Naismith Finalist got out in transition, started attacking the basket, making plays and hitting shots. Lendeborg sparked a 21-0 run that was maybe the best stretch of baseketball the Wolverines have played all season, which includes the early-season run at the Players Era Tournament when they embarassed Gonzaga.
Michigan fans wondered if this team had peaked too early. Sunday's rout of Tennessee was a reminder that no, the Wolverines still have another gear or two, as Dusty May said after the win over Alabama.
Yaxel Lendeborg leads Michigan back to Final Four
Lendeborg, who has been spectacular in the NCAA Tournament, scored 27 points, had seven boards, dished out four assists, and had zero turnovers. He also blocked two shots and had a steal, making 10-of-19 shots, including three 3-pointers.
Nobody else scored more than 12, but seven different Michigan basketball players scored at least eight points. Four had at least three assists, led by Elliot Cadeau, who was dazzling on his way to eight points, three boards, and 10 assists.
Trey McKenney did what he's done all March, scoring 10 points off the bench, and Roddy Gayle continues to find a way to make plays, with eight points, five boards, two blocks, and an assist. He knocked down the first 3-pointer of the game for Michigan, on a Yaxel assist, and that seemed to open the flood gates.
Mara and Morez Johnson only played 40 minutes combined, but they still had 23 points, nine boards, and three blocks combined. Their defense was essential in holding Tennessee to just 31 percent from the field.
It was the fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament win for Michigan over Tennessee. It's also the first Final Four trip for Michigan since 2018.
The Wolverines are seeking their first national championship since 1989.