MARCH MADNESS: WOLVERINES DRAW THE BILLIKENS IN ROUND OF 32
PLAYER OF THE YEAR LEADS THE LAB: LENDEBORG, WOLVERINES PREP FOR SLU: In the Lab: Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 23, far left) finds his rhythm during Friday's "lab session" at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. As the No. 1 seeded Wolverines prepare for Saturday’s Round of 32 clash against Saint Louis, veterans like Lendeborg and rising stars like Trey McKenney are refining the chemistry required for a deep March run. Tip-off is set for 12:10 p.m. AST on CBS.
By St. Croix Sun Staff
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Fresh off a 101–80 dismantling of Howard, the No. 1 seeded Michigan Wolverines are staying in Buffalo for a Saturday showdown with the No. 9 seed Saint Louis Billikens. The winner of this clash at the KeyBank Center will punch their ticket to the Sweet 16.
The Billikens (29-5) earned their spot by routing Georgia 102–77 in the first round. This matchup presents a fascinating contrast of "modern jazz" styles:
The "Pterodactyl" Defense: Michigan’s Aday Mara, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the country’s most efficient rim protection.
The "Cream Abdul-Jabbar" Test: He will face a unique test in SLU’s Robbie Avila, a 6-foot-10 center who can stretch the floor and shoot nearly 42% from three-point range.
The "Future is Now": With L.J. Cason out, freshman sensation Trey McKenney is expected to take on a larger role after his 21-point debut.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION: DUSTY MAY NAMED NAISMITH SEMIFINALIST: The Architect of the Turnaround: Michigan head coach Dusty May watches intently from the sidelines. After leading the No. 3 ranked Wolverines to a 32-3 record and a Big Ten title, May was named a semifinalist for the 2026 Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year award on Friday. May, who already secured the Henry Iba National Coach of the Year trophy this week, has the Wolverines poised for their 10th consecutive Second Round appearance on Saturday.
GAME INFO:
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Time: 12:10 p.m. AST.
TV: CBS.
THE BETTING LINE: The Wolverines open as 12.5-point favorites over the Billikens, with the over/under set at a high-flying 161.5 points.
