Blue Devils Secure Victory in Epic Neutral-Site Battle
A Highly Anticipated Clash Lives Up to the Hype
The much-anticipated showdown between No. 3 Duke and No. 1 Michigan delivered on its promise of high-stakes collegiate basketball. Held in Washington, D.C., the game saw the Blue Devils clinch a 68-63 victory, marking a significant moment in the season. The electrifying atmosphere was palpable, fueled by a record-setting attendance for a neutral-site game.
Boozer Leads Duke's Dominant Performance
Cameron Boozer was the cornerstone of Duke's triumph, contributing 18 points, a game-high 10 rebounds, and seven assists. His stellar performance was complemented by Isaiah Evans, who added 14 points, and Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II, who chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively. Duke's commanding presence on the boards, out-rebounding Michigan 41-28, proved to be a critical factor in their success.
Michigan's Valiant Effort Falls Short
Despite a strong showing from Yaxel Lendeborg, who posted 21 points, 16 of which came in the first half, Michigan's 11-game winning streak was brought to an end. Morez Johnson Jr. contributed 13 points, and Aday Mara added 10 points. The Wolverines struggled with their shooting accuracy, finishing at 40% from the field and a mere 24% from beyond the arc.
Pre-Game Buzz and Record Attendance
Prior to the game, both teams were highlighted by the NCAA Tournament selection committee as top contenders, with Michigan and Duke projected as the first and second overall seeds, respectively. This pre-game recognition, combined with the fierce rivalry, drew an impressive crowd of 20,537, setting a new attendance record for a neutral-site game this season.
Clutch Plays in the Closing Moments
The game's final minutes were a nail-biting affair. Michigan managed to reduce an eight-point deficit to three. However, Cameron Boozer responded with a crucial three-pointer for Duke, followed by Elliot Cadeau's own three for Michigan. Boozer continued to deliver under pressure, sinking a short jumper, and after a sequence of missed shots and a key rebound by Ngongba II, Evans sealed the win with two free throws in the dying seconds.
Duke's Resilience and Future Outlook
Duke's victory extended their winning streak to four games, rebounding impressively after a loss to North Carolina. Despite committing 11 turnovers, their ability to maintain composure and execute critical plays showcased their championship potential. With No. 2 Houston also suffering a defeat on Saturday, Duke's performance has positioned them as a strong candidate for the top national ranking.