By: Masha Bullard
Duke strengthened its case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament with a gritty 68–63 victory over top-ranked Michigan on Saturday night in Washington, D.C., showcasing the Blue Devils’ defensive edge and late-game composure. Freshman star Cameron Boozer and guard Isaiah Evans delivered crucial plays down the stretch to secure the high-profile win.
The clash between two 25-2 powerhouses lived up to its billing as a March Madness preview, with Duke holding Michigan to its lowest scoring output of the season. The Blue Devils’ defense suffocated the Wolverines in the second half, limiting them to just eight field goals over the final 20 minutes and erasing Michigan’s offensive rhythm.
Boozer, one of college basketball’s most decorated freshmen, anchored Duke on both ends with his physical presence and playmaking, while Evans supplied timely scoring during decisive late possessions. Their poise reflected the identity fourth-year coach Jon Scheyer has built — a balanced roster capable of winning tight, defensive battles against elite opponents.
Michigan entered the matchup ranked No. 1 nationally and boasting one of the country’s most efficient offenses, but Duke controlled the glass and tempo in the closing stretch to maintain a narrow lead. The victory improved the Blue Devils to 25-2 and reinforced their status among the nation’s championship favorites with March approaching.
For Scheyer, the win marked another milestone in his post-Mike Krzyzewski era, signaling that Duke’s new generation — headlined by Boozer and fellow freshmen — can thrive under tournament-style pressure. The performance also underscored Duke’s defensive ceiling, a trait often decisive in deep NCAA Tournament runs.
With Selection Sunday looming, Duke’s statement win over the nation’s top team reshaped the race for the tournament’s top overall seed. Meanwhile, Michigan absorbed a rare setback but remained firmly positioned for a No. 1 seed of its own after a dominant season.
