In a thrilling neutral-site showdown that felt more like a tournament semifinal than a regular-season game, No. 3 Duke defeated No. 1 Michigan 68-63 on Saturday night at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Cameron Boozer led the Blue Devils with 18 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the final minutes that helped seal the victory. The game, attended by Boozer's father, former Duke and NBA star Carlos Boozer, marked the first meeting between the two programs in 12 years and served as a potential preview for the NCAA tournament's East Regional, which could return to the same venue in just over a month.
The Wolverines, who had climbed to the top of the AP Top 25 poll this week after replacing Arizona, entered the contest on an 11-game winning streak. Their loss dropped them to 25-3 on the season, while Duke improved to 25-2. Earlier that day, No. 2 Houston fell to the now-fourth-ranked Arizona Wildcats, creating the first instance since February 8, 2025, that the top two teams in the poll both suffered defeats on the same day, according to the Associated Press.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer praised his team's performance after the game, saying, "That was a game that didn't feel like it was played in February. That felt like a March or April game. Obviously, we have a ton of respect for Michigan, the staff, and how good they are. And I thought it just was a big-time game where our guys were ready to compete at a high level." Scheyer's Blue Devils showcased offensive versatility against Michigan's top-rated defense, with Isaiah Evans contributing 14 points, Caleb Foster adding 12, and freshman Patrick Ngongba II scoring 11.
For Michigan, second-year coach Dusty May's squad, known for its unselfish play, struggled with rebounding and perimeter shooting. The Wolverines were outrebounded 41-28 and shot just 6-of-25 from beyond the arc. Yaxel Lendeborg led Michigan with 21 points, but the team couldn't overcome its miscues. May reflected on the defeat, stating, "When you schedule a game like this, you don't know what it's going to look like after the fact, and even the preparation leading up to it. We know more about our team now. We'll be better because of this game and overall. We didn't rebound the way we needed to, and we made some timely errors, and when you're playing someone like Duke, they make you pay for every mistake. And they did that tonight."
The atmosphere in the nation's capital was electric, with fans alternating chants of "Let's go Duke!" and "Let's go Blue!" in a city eager for high-stakes college basketball. ESPN's "College GameDay" broadcast originated from inside the arena during the teams' morning shootaround, underscoring the matchup's significance. Tickets for upper-level seats were reselling for around $600 in the hours before tip-off, while courtside options reached upwards of $6,000, highlighting the demand for this rare clash between two storied programs.
Historically, Duke holds a commanding edge over Michigan, improving to 23-8 all-time in the series with this win and maintaining a perfect 7-0 record on neutral courts. The Blue Devils' last loss to the Wolverines came on December 6, 2009, in Ann Arbor. Michigan's most recent neutral-site defeat to a blueblood like Duke dates back further, adding to the narrative of the Wolverines' struggles away from home against elite competition.
The first half was a defensive battle, marked by physicality and low scoring, with neither team leading by more than five points. Duke's Ngongba was fouled while battling for a rebound with just 0.8 seconds remaining, calmly sinking both free throws to give the Blue Devils a slim 35-33 halftime advantage. Surprisingly, Duke never trailed after the break, methodically building their lead through smart offensive execution and capitalizing on Michigan's turnovers.
Boozer's late 3-pointer with 1:55 left pushed Duke ahead 64-58, a margin the Wolverines could not close despite a late push. The Blue Devils' ability to find open looks against Michigan's stout defense—ranked No. 1 nationally—proved decisive. Duke's balanced scoring and rebounding dominance prevented Michigan from mounting the kind of comeback that had fueled their recent streak.
This victory comes at a pivotal time for Duke, who are positioning themselves as frontrunners for a deep NCAA tournament run. The Blue Devils' schedule, which includes high-profile non-conference games like this one, has prepared them for the intensity of March Madness. Scheyer's emphasis on competing at an elite level suggests the team is honing the resilience needed for a championship chase.
Michigan, under May, has transformed into a contender since his arrival, but this loss exposes areas for growth, particularly in rebounding and handling pressure from versatile offenses. The Wolverines' unselfishness has been a hallmark, but against Duke's multifaceted attack, it wasn't enough. May's postgame comments indicate a focus on learning from the defeat to bolster their postseason prospects.
The game's timing adds intrigue to the national landscape. With the top teams stumbling, the AP poll could see significant reshuffling when it's updated next week. Arizona's win over Houston keeps them in the mix, but Duke's statement victory catapults them into serious title conversation. Analysts have already speculated that a rematch in the East Regional at Capital One Arena could be on the horizon, given the bracket projections.
Beyond the court, the matchup highlighted the star power of young talents like Boozer, whose performance under the watchful eye of his father evoked memories of Duke's storied legacy. Carlos Boozer, a key piece of the 2001 national championship team, watched his son deliver in a manner reminiscent of his own college days. Such family connections underscore the personal stakes in these high-profile games.
As the regular season winds down, both teams will use this encounter as a benchmark. Duke's depth and defensive poise position them well for conference play and beyond, while Michigan's coaching staff will undoubtedly drill rebounding fundamentals in the coming weeks. The broader implications for the Wolverines include maintaining their top-10 status amid a tough remaining schedule.
In the end, Saturday's game at Capital One Arena was a microcosm of what makes college basketball compelling: intense rivalries, breakout performances, and lessons learned on the fly. With the NCAA tournament looming, Duke and Michigan have shown they belong among the nation's elite, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating March. The Associated Press contributed to this report.