Lendeborg vows to play in NCAA final despite MCL, ankle sprains - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Just over 11 minutes into the first half of Michigan's national semifinal romp over Arizona on Saturday, star forward Yaxel Lendeborg somersaulted backward in pain on the baseline, punctuating his tumble by slamming his palms in frustration on the floor.

On a Final Four night mostly devoid of compelling theatre, Lendeborg's gutty return after suffering a left MCL sprain and left ankle sprain gave Michigan's blowout an adrenaline shot of drama.

Lendeborg played just 14 minutes, as he got into early foul trouble and then retreated twice to the locker room before halftime. The injuries came from stepping on the right foot of step of Arizona's Motiejus Krivas on what he later called an ill-advised dunk attempt.

Through it all, Lendeborg finished with 11 points on just four shots in Michigan's 91-73 win. He also promised he will return to the floor for the Wolverines in Monday night's national title game against UConn.

«I will be on that floor in that game,» he said.

From crying in Michigan's injury tent behind the bench to two first-half trips to the locker room, Lendeborg spent a lot of time with trainer Chris Williams. Lendeborg admitted he got emotional because he saw everything he had worked for this season flash before his eyes.

Once Williams examined him, however, the trainer wasn't too worried. He said that the injury «presented» well, as there was limited swelling and it didn't appear serious.

Williams told ESPN he's «very confident» that Lendeborg will play Monday and stressed that there will be furious treatment on the knee and ankle from now until tip-off.

«He might move into my room,» Williams told ESPN, catching a reporter chuckling at the idea. «You're laughing, but he might move into my room. We