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Yaxel Lendeborg injury update: Michigan star says he'll play in national championship
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- Yaxel Lendeborg injury update: Michigan star says he'll play in national championship
Michigan men's basketball is off to a strong start against No. 1 Arizona in the Final Four, but the Wolverines have lost a big part of their scoring.
Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg limped off the court at Lucas Oil Stadium and headed immediately into the tunnel in the first half to get tended to by Michigan 's medical staff. He appeared to have twisted his ankle on the previous play after stepping on the foot of Wildcats forward Motiejus Krivas while going to the basket for a layup. The broadcast later added that his knee was hurt on the play as well.
He is dealing with a sprained MCL of his left knee and an injured ankle, per CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson, who spoke with Michigan basketball head athletic trainer Chris Williams during halftime. Lendeborg also received ice to numb the pain and a massage in the Wolverines' locker room.
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Here's the play that Lendeborg appears to have been injured on at the 8:51 mark of the first half:
The absence of Lendeborg, who picked up two fouls fewer than 90 seconds into the game, was immediately felt by the Wolverines, as the Wildcats went on a quick 9-0 run to get themselves back in the game. Michigan would then take over the game to build a 16-point halftime lead over Arizona .
REQUIRED READING: Michigan vs Arizona basketball live updates, Final Four game score, highlights
He exited the game with five points on 1-of-2 shooting from the field to go along with a rebound and a steal. He was back on the court with the Wolverines' starting lineup to start the second half, and immediately hit back-to-back 3-pointers on his first two shot attempts.
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Here's the latest on Lendeborg's injury:
Yaxel Lendeborg on injury
On the court for post-game interviews, Lendeborg talked about the extent of injury and committed to playing unless he "can't walk at all."
"it's a weird feeling to have the pain that I'm having right now, I've never experienced it before," he said. "So um, coach said at worst it's an MCL sprain and obviously I rolled my ankle so I mean just that. But I'm gonna push through there's no way I'm missing (the) game on Monday night no matter what goes on. So I'm gonna play unless I can't walk at all."
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Lendeborg returns to Michigan bench
With 5:15 left, Lendeborg heads back to the Michigan bench with a big smile. It's unknown if that's a wrap on him for this game, but his teammates should be able to close the game from here.
Lendeborg checks back in with seven minutes left
Lendeborg returns to the court with about seven minutes left. Wolfson reports he turned to family and friends and said "I have to" before entering.
Lendeborg riding bicycle near Michigan bench
Lendeborg is subbed out of the game at the 13:02 mark of the second half and immediately heads to the stationary bicycle near the Wolverines' bench. In an additional report, Wolfson mentioned that Michigan athletic trainer Chris Williams and team doctor said it was up to Lendeborg to play in the second half.
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Lendeborg dealing with MCL sprain, ankle injury
According to Wolfson, Lendeborg is dealing with a sprained MCL and an injured ankle. As he continues to try to contribute in any way he can, he is clearly hobbled on the floor.
Lendeborg starting second half
Lendeborg will take the floor for Michigan with a brace and two fouls, as he tries to play through his injury. How effective he is remains to be seen.
Lendeborg warming up, lightly jogging
Ahead of the second half against Arizona, Lendeborg took the floor and tried to walk the floor a bit, not putting much pressure on his leg. He then tried some light jogging, and joined the Michigan huddle as the team convened before taking the floor.
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Yaxel Lendeborg injury update
Lendeborg appeared to twist his left ankle after going up for a layup at the 8:51 mark of the first half against Arizona in the Final Four.
As noted by Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, Lendeborg screamed and slapped his hands onto the floor of the court after landing awkwardly on his ankle before taking his two free throw attempts.
After Lendeborg hit both free throws, Michigan coach Dusty May took his veteran forward off the court. Lendeborg then immediately went into the tunnel to go back to the locker room to be looked at by members of the Wolverines' medical staff.
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Later, it was reported that he also injured his knee on the play. The extent of the injury is unclear.
Here's a look Lendeborg initially heading back to the locker room:
Lendeborg was shown on the TBS broadcast at the 6:06 mark of the first half coming out of the locker room tunnel, walking gingerly back to the Michigan bench with a towel over his head. However, his presence on the Wolverines bench was short-lived, as he was brought back into the locker room. He was seen with a brace on his knee.
"It is the same ankle that he injured in the Big Ten tournament," Wolfson said in an additional report. She also reported that Michigan will continue to give Lendeborg more treatment in the locker room and then re-evaluate whether he is able to return to the game.
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This story has been updated with new information.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yaxel Lendeborg injury: What to know of Michigan star's knee, ankle
