Michigan makes statement with 40-point win vs. Gonzaga

Las Vegas–Michigan Star Yaxel Lendeborg said wolverines Made a statement about its place in the hierarchy of college basketball with a 40-point win Gonzaga Wednesday night in the Players Era title game.

“We know we’re capable of a national championship,” Lendeborg said after accepting a diamond-encrusted ring to win MVP after his team’s victory. win 101-61“As long as we continue to grow together, we will remain the best in the country and no one will be able to stop us,”

Before the Players Era event, No. 7 Michigan struggled in close wins TCU And wake up forestHowever, during their three days in Las Vegas, the Wolverines beat san diego statenumber 21 golden brown color and No. 12 Gonzaga by a combined 110 points.

Gonzaga, KenPom’s No. 1 team entering Wednesday, had scored a combined 195 points in the win alabama And marylandWhich increased the buzz about its matchup with Michigan, America’s best defensive team.

But after 10 minutes of play, Michigan had a 33–14 lead and the Bulldogs clearly had no answer.

“It’s something that doesn’t usually happen to us,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said.

Michigan made history in ways Gonzaga will soon hope to forget. It was the first time in the Associated Press Poll era that a team had defeated consecutive opponents by more than 30 points. (Michigan defeated Auburn 102–72 on Tuesday.) It was the first time Gonzaga lost a game by 40 points since 1990 and its most lopsided defeat during Few’s tenure as coach, which began in 1999.

Gonzaga’s 24-point halftime deficit – Michigan led 53–29 at the break – was its largest in nearly 20 years, since 2007.

Some shocked people said that their team would have to learn from the defeat but not be upset by it.

“We were completely throttled, so I’ve never been involved in anything like that, so it’s going to be a big challenge and learning experience for me,” he said. “But that being said, up until two hours ago, we’ve had an incredible November. We can really take advantage of it and then we can definitely be humble when they watch the film with me and we move forward.”

In the final game of this year’s Players Era event Field expands to 32 teamsMichigan collected $1 million in additional zero compensation Gonzaga took home $500,000 with its victory in the championship.

Michigan’s size played a key role in the Wolverines earning a seven-figure victory.

with graham ike (6-foot-9), brayden huff (6-10) and Tyone Grant-Foster (6-7) In its starting rotation, Gonzaga usually has a size advantage over its opponents. But Michigan’s starting frontcourt consists of 7-3 paid off6-9 Morez Johnson Jr. and 6-9 Lendeborg.

The Wolverines outclassed Gonzaga’s squad and used that disparity to shut down the door for a Bulldog squad that had swept its first two opponents in Las Vegas but made only 34% of its field goal attempts and finished 3 of 22 from beyond the arc.

Ike, who has been Gonzaga’s strength all season, finished 0 of 9. Overall, Michigan made only 38% of its shots around the rim, according to Synergy Sports data, which is significantly lower than this season’s 62% mark.

Coach Dusty May said his team’s togetherness, not just size, contributed to the defensive effort.

“I think now we’re starting to take a lot more intelligent risks, calculated risks, whatever you want to call them,” he said. “And then ‘When I take risks, a partner covers my back’ because they’re getting used to playing with each other.”

Offensive production also fueled Michigan’s victory. Lendeborg (20 points, 11 rebounds, four steals, two blocks) led a group of five Michigan players who recorded double figures. The Wolverines also made 60% of their field goal attempts and shot 48% from 3.

With their performance Wednesday night, the Wolverines earned their place in the conversation about America’s best team.

“A lot of people on the team felt like we were being disrespected because of our struggles our first few games, so today we were able to show the world that we are here to be the best team in the country,” Lendeborg said. “We will continue to do so.”

ESPN Research contributed to this report.