Duke's Cameron Boozer Leads Thriller Over Top-Ranked Michigan

In a game that had March Madness energy two months early, Duke pulled off a statement victory against the nation's top team in front of a raucous Washington crowd.

Cameron Boozer, son of former Duke and NBA star Carlos Boozer, scored 18 points and hit a clutch 3-pointer with under two minutes left to seal the 68-63 win over Michigan. The Blue Devils improved to 25-2 while handing the Wolverines their first loss since mid-January.

The Saturday night showdown at Capital One Arena lived up to its billing as a potential Final Four preview. ESPN's College GameDay broadcasted from inside the arena, and upper-level tickets sold for $600 while courtside seats reached $6,000. Fans traded "Let's go Duke!" and "Let's go Blue!" chants throughout the night.

Duke coach Jon Scheyer captured the magnitude perfectly. "That was a game that didn't feel like it was played in February," he said. "That felt like a March or April game."

The Blue Devils found their winning formula through balanced scoring and physical play. Isaiah Evans added 14 points, Caleb Foster contributed 12, and Patrick Ngongba II chipped in 11 as Duke exploited soft spots in Michigan's top-rated defense.

But the real difference came on the glass. Duke won the rebounding battle 41-28, forcing Michigan to settle for one-and-done possessions while the Wolverines struggled to just 6-of-25 from three-point range.

Why This Inspires

This game represents everything college basketball should be. Two storied programs with rich histories meeting on a neutral court in a heavyweight matchup that both teams specifically scheduled, knowing it could prepare them for the biggest moments ahead.

Michigan coach Dusty May showed the kind of perspective that builds championship programs. "We know more about our team now," he said after the loss. "We'll be better because of this game."

Duke never trailed after taking a 35-33 halftime lead, showing composure and maturity in a tournament-level environment. The Blue Devils improved to 7-0 against Michigan on neutral courts and extended their winning streak in the series to eight games dating back to 2009.

For basketball fans in Washington starved for meaningful games, the night delivered everything promised. The Blue Devils proved they belong in the national championship conversation while giving both teams exactly the kind of test they'll need when the real tournament begins.

"This game helped us understand what a tournament environment is all about," Scheyer said. Duke just might see Capital One Arena again in April.