Star Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg limped off the court with a left MCL sprain and ankle injury just 11 minutes into the national semifinal against Arizona, but vowed he will return for Monday's national title game against UConn. Lendeborg played only 14 minutes, scoring 11 points on four shots after getting into foul trouble and retreating to the locker room twice. The injuries occurred when he landed on Arizona's Motiejus Krivas' foot while attempting a dunk.

Despite the pain, Lendeborg returned for the second half, wearing a compression sleeve and moving gingerly. He drained two crucial 3-pointers within four minutes, boosting Michigan's lead. Trainer Chris Williams, confident after initial exams, outlined a rigorous 24-hour treatment plan involving ice, compression, massage, a Hivamat Mat, and a Class 4 laser to prepare Lendeborg for Monday's game.