The Michigan Wolverines were unable to walk away with the Big Ten title for the second year in a row, but what fans are probably looking at more right now is the ankle of star Yaxel Lendeborg. With minutes left in the game, Lendeborg came out and was sitting next to the Wolverine bench, looking to be in serious pain.
At the time, it looked like a lower leg injury, but a TV update said Lendeborg suffered an ankle injury and was out for some time towards the end of the game. With roughly two minutes left, Lendeborg was able to return to the court, but he certainly didn't look 100%.
Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg in some discomfort by the bench after an apparent lower-leg knock: pic.twitter.com/IIBrXujaCK
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) March 15, 2026
Michigan star Yazel Lendeborg rolls ankle in Big Ten title game loss vs. Purdue
As Michigan was trying to mount a comeback over Purdue in the Big Ten title game, the injury to Lendeborg could not have come at a worse time. The Wolverines' leading scorer is the one guy Michigan has been able to turn to, and coming out of the game truly turned Michigan's game around.
Now heading into the NCAA Tournament, all eyes will be on Dusty May in the post-game press conference, waiting for an update on his star player.
Lendeborg is crucial to this Michigan team as the transfer has been the spark for the offense the Wolverines needed this season. Against Wisconsin in the semifinal game, Lendeborg hit the game-winner to send the Wolverines to the Big Ten Championship for the second season in a row.
While in the end he was unable to make the difference for Michigan against Purdue, the biggest thing to watch will be what the injury update will be. Lendeborg will have only a few days to get ready for the Wolverines' first game in the NCAA Tournament, but first, they must see where they land in the tournament with the selection show coming up very soon.