Duke Knocks Off #1 Michigan, 70-63

Blue Devils pull off upset over top-ranked Wolverines in hard-fought battle

Feb. 22, 2026 at 2:21am

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In a thrilling matchup between two top college basketball programs, the Duke Blue Devils defeated the #1 ranked Michigan Wolverines by a score of 70-63. The game was closely contested throughout, with both teams playing extremely hard and giving it their all. Duke was able to pull away late in the second half, led by strong performances from Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans.

Why it matters

This win is a major statement for the Duke program under new head coach Jon Scheyer. Taking down the #1 team in the country, especially on the road, is a huge accomplishment and will likely vault the Blue Devils into the top spot in the national rankings. The game also featured high-level play from both teams, showcasing the depth and talent in college basketball this season.

The details

Duke and Michigan were evenly matched in the first half, with the Blue Devils taking a 35-33 lead into the break. The second half was just as riveting, with Duke never relinquishing the lead despite some adversity, including foul trouble for key players. Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans took over down the stretch, making crucial plays to hold off a late Michigan comeback attempt. Duke's defense was also a key factor, limiting the Wolverines to just 40% shooting and forcing 7 turnovers.

  • The game was played on Saturday evening, February 22, 2026.

The players

Cameron Boozer

A standout forward for the Duke Blue Devils who finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win.

Isaiah Evans

A clutch guard for Duke who hit several key shots late to help seal the victory for the Blue Devils.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A star player for the Michigan Wolverines who led his team with 16 points on 6-9 shooting in the losing effort.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, in his second season leading the program to a marquee win over the #1 team in the country.

Elliot Cadeau

A key player for Michigan who struggled with his shot, going 1-8 from the field in the game.

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What’s next

Duke will look to build on this signature win as they travel to face Notre Dame on Tuesday before returning home to host #14 Virginia on Saturday.

The takeaway

This thrilling matchup between two college basketball powerhouses showcased the high level of talent and competitiveness in the sport today. Duke's ability to pull off the upset on the road against the #1 team demonstrates their potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament this season.