Injured Michigan star Lendeborg to play title game 'no matter what'

Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg returned in the second half of the Wolverines' 91-73 blowout of Arizona after heading to the locker room 12 minutes into Saturday's Final Four showdown with an ankle injury and sprained MCL.

Lendeborg was in clear discomfort after taking an awkward fall on a drive to the basket. The 6-foot-9 forward twisted his left ankle on his way up to the rim.

Lendeborg made both of his free throws and promptly exited the game. He was later seen sporting a brace on his knee.

Lendeborg received ice on his ankle in addition to treatment before coming back for the second half.

Lendeborg was moving gingerly during his limited time on the court, but he still managed to knocked down a pair of threes to finish with 11 points in 14 minutes.

The Big Ten Player of the Year was adamant postgame about playing in the national championship game against UConn.

"There's no way I'm missing the game on Monday night, no matter what goes on," Lendeborg told CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson. "So I'm gonna play unless I can't walk at all."

Lendeborg has been a huge part of the Wolverines' success this season. He led the team in scoring (15.2 points per game) and steals (1.2), while also placing second in rebounding (seven), assists (3.3), and blocks (1.3).

Lendeborg's strong campaign earned him consensus All-American first-team honors and an All-Big Ten first-team nod.