BUFFALO, N.Y. – No. 1-seeded Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May praised his team’s chemistry and resilience after its 95-72 victory over St. Louis in the Round of 32 to advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.
“I’m extremely proud to be a part of this team and the way they played today against an excellent, well-coached opponent,” said May. “They play well together, they cover for each other, and even through mistakes, they have each other’s back.”
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May said the group’s connection stands out as one of the best he has coached.
“I may coach another 30 years and may not be around a better group of people or a more connected group,” May said. “As a staff, we’re cherishing that every single day.”
Despite a more comfortable offensive showing compared to the previous game against the No. 16-seeded Howard Bison, May said there were still areas to improve.
“There were several times when St. Louis was on the verge, and we answered,” May said. “We looked more determined and more comfortable.”
May credited improved shot-making as a key difference in the outcome.
“Our ability to make open shots tonight was the biggest difference,” May said.
May said Yaxel Lendeborg’s stat line only scratched the surface of his impact in the Round of 32 win.
“We thought he played an average first half for him, and he still filled up the stat sheet,” May said. “He just has such a high ceiling. He’s a special player and a special person.”
May pointed to Lendeborg’s growth and versatility, particularly in adapting to different roles within the offense.
“He’s done an unbelievable job taking what the game gives him and playing really smart basketball all year,” May said. “That’s not easy, especially learning a new system and playing different roles depending on the lineup.”
May noted a sequence early in the second half when Lendeborg passed up a one-on-one opportunity in transition, drawing reactions from the bench.
“Everyone was yelling for him to attack,” May said. “But aggression isn’t always simple; it can mean different things depending on spacing and matchups.”
May added that Lendeborg’s ability to adjust from a structured system to a more free-flowing style has been key to his development.
“He’s had to learn a lot and be two different players for us,” May said. “The way he’s handled that has been really impressive.”
May said this year’s team is more complete and better prepared after last season’s Sweet 16 run ended short.
“We’re a better basketball team. We’re more talented,” May said. “Last year we were still laying the foundation, and late in the season we realized we had to get tougher and play better together.”
May pointed to last year’s loss to the Auburn Tigers as a learning experience, particularly the impact of environment and momentum.
“We ran into a top team on its home court, and that was a pivotal moment,” he said. “It showed us what it takes.”
He said that experience helped shape the program’s approach this season.
“We wanted to do our work early to put ourselves in position for opportunities like this,” May said. “Now we’ve earned the chance to keep playing.”
Ultimately, May credited the team’s overall growth.
“We’re better coaches, better players,” May said. “That’s part of the growth process.”
The Wolverines will take on the winner of the 4/5 matchup between Texas Tech and Alabama inside the United Center in Chicago.