Overview
- Michigan capped three blowouts in three nights by beating Gonzaga 101-61 for the Players Era championship, with Yaxel Lendeborg posting 20 points and 11 rebounds to earn MVP.
- Across wins over San Diego State, Auburn and Gonzaga, the Wolverines outscored opponents by 110 points and became the first team in the AP poll era to record back-to-back 30-plus-point victories over ranked foes.
- Michigan’s length overwhelmed the Zags, limiting them to 34% shooting and 3-for-22 from three while Graham Ike went 0-for-9, as the Wolverines shot 60% and hit 13 threes.
- The championship carried a seven-figure NIL bonus, with Michigan earning an extra $1 million in addition to participation payouts, and Gonzaga receiving $500,000 as runner-up.
- The performance moved Michigan to 7-0 and to No. 1 on KenPom, with oddsmakers and poll projections boosting the Wolverines as they return to face Rutgers on Dec. 6.