Michigan routed Tennessee 95-62 in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, securing its spot in the Final Four. The No. 1-seeded Wolverines led by 34-10 in the first half and never trailed, shooting 52% from the field while holding Tennessee to 32%. Yaxel Lendeborg led Michigan with 27 points, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie scored 21 for the Volunteers.
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes confirmed he will return for the 2025-26 season, despite the team’s third straight Elite Eight exit without advancing to the Final Four. Barnes, 71, has led Tennessee to eight NCAA Tournaments in 11 seasons. Meanwhile, assistant coach Justin Gainey is a candidate for the NC State head coaching job, with Barnes publicly endorsing him.
Michigan’s victory was highlighted by a viral moment when walk-on guard Charlie May, son of head coach Dusty May, hit a three-pointer late in the game, sparking an emotional bench celebration. The Wolverines will face Arizona in the Final Four.