WASHINGTON — In a thrilling matchup that felt like a glimpse of March Madness, No. 3 Duke delivered a stunning upset over No. 1 Michigan, prevailing 68-63 on Saturday night at Capital One Arena. Cameron Boozer led the charge for the Blue Devils with 18 points, including a crucial 3-pointer with 1:55 remaining that stretched Duke's lead to 64-58, sealing the victory in a game that drew massive attention in the nation's capital.
The win marked a significant moment in college basketball, as it was the first time since February 8, 2025, that the top two teams in the AP Top 25 poll both suffered defeats on the same day. Earlier Saturday, No. 4 Arizona knocked off No. 2 Houston, paving the way for this double shake-up at the summit. Michigan, which had climbed to the No. 1 spot this week after replacing Arizona, saw its 11-game winning streak come to an abrupt end. The Wolverines, now 25-2, had not lost since a narrow three-point defeat at home to Wisconsin on January 10.
Duke, improving to 25-2, showcased the versatility that has defined coach Jon Scheyer's squad this season. While Michigan under second-year coach Dusty May has earned praise for its unselfish play, the Blue Devils exploited gaps in the Wolverines' defense, which ranks as the nation's top unit. According to reports from the game, Duke outrebounded Michigan 41-28, capitalizing on the Wolverines' tendency to settle for perimeter shots. Michigan went just 6 for 25 from beyond the arc, a inefficiency that proved costly in the tight contest.
Boozer's performance carried extra weight with his father, former Duke star and NBA veteran Carlos Boozer, watching from the stands. The younger Boozer's timely 3-pointer not only ignited the crowd but also underscored Duke's offensive depth. Isaiah Evans contributed 14 points, while Caleb Foster added 12 and freshman Patrick Ngongba II chipped in 11. For Michigan, Yaxel Lendeborg led all scorers with 21 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Duke's balanced attack.
The game, the first meeting between these storied programs in 12 years, added another chapter to a lopsided series history. Duke now holds a 23-8 advantage over Michigan, including a perfect 7-0 record on neutral courts. The Blue Devils' last loss to the Wolverines came on December 6, 2009, in Ann Arbor. This neutral-site clash evoked memories of their 1992 national championship game, where Duke triumphed en route to the title.
From the opening tip, defense dominated in a physical first half that saw neither team pull ahead by more than five points. The score was knotted multiple times, with fans in the arena trading chants of “Let’s go Duke!” and “Let’s go Blue!” in a city that rarely hosts such high-stakes college basketball. ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast live from inside Capital One Arena during the teams' morning shootaround, amplifying the event's prestige. Tickets for upper-level seats fetched around $600 in the hours before tipoff, while courtside options soared above $6,000, reflecting the matchup's allure as a potential Final Four preview.
The half's drama peaked with 0.8 seconds left, when Ngongba was fouled while battling for a rebound. He calmly sank both free throws, giving Duke a slim 35-33 lead at the break. Remarkably, the Blue Devils never relinquished that advantage, building on their momentum in the second half. Michigan pushed back valiantly, but Duke's rebounding edge and ability to find open looks prevented the Wolverines from mounting a sustained comeback.
Scheyer's team demonstrated why they remain a contender for a deep NCAA Tournament run, especially with the East Regional potentially returning to this very arena in just over a month. Duke's poise under pressure highlighted their growth, particularly against a Michigan squad that had been nearly unbeatable lately. The Wolverines' loss drops them from the top spot, setting the stage for a reshuffled poll when the AP Top 25 updates next week.
Beyond the box score, the game underscored broader trends in college basketball this season. Michigan's rise under May, who took over after a successful stint at Florida Atlantic, has been built on team-first principles. Yet, as one observer noted in postgame analysis, Duke's multifaceted offense exposed vulnerabilities that the Wolverines must address quickly. Scheyer, in his third year leading Duke, continues to blend high-profile recruits with strategic depth, a formula that paid dividends here.
The atmosphere in Washington added to the spectacle, with the nation's capital serving as an ideal neutral venue for this blueblood battle. Local fans, starved for elite college hoops amid the NBA's Wizards' struggles, filled the arena to capacity. The event's timing, midway through conference play, amplified its significance as both teams gear up for tournament implications.
Looking ahead, Michigan will look to rebound when it hosts Minnesota on Tuesday night. The Wolverines, still firmly in the Big Ten title hunt, cannot afford a prolonged slump with March on the horizon. Duke, meanwhile, travels to face Notre Dame on the same day, a matchup that could further solidify their ACC standing. Both coaches emphasized the learning opportunities from this defeat and victory, respectively, in brief postgame remarks.
This upset not only shakes up the national landscape but also reignites discussions about the parity in top-tier college basketball. With Arizona's earlier win over Houston, the top of the poll now features unexpected twists. As the season progresses, games like this one remind observers why the sport captivates millions—unpredictable drama, rising stars like Boozer, and the ever-present chase for a championship.
In the end, Duke's resilience and Michigan's grit made for compelling theater, even in defeat. The Blue Devils walk away with a signature win that bolsters their resume, while the Wolverines gain valuable experience against elite competition. As poll alerts and updates circulate, fans will eagerly await how these results ripple through the rankings and beyond.