Cameron Boozer Leads No. 3 Duke to Victory Over No. 1 Michigan
Cameron Boozer led No. 3 Duke to a 68-63 victory over No. 1 Michigan in a thrilling showdown on February 21, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This victory marked a significant moment as Duke handed Michigan its first loss since January, amidst a heated atmosphere that could foreshadow a possible Final Four matchup.
Cameron Boozer Shines in Duke’s Victory
Boozer scored 18 points, including a key 3-pointer with just under two minutes remaining. His performance contributed to Duke’s impressive record on neutral courts, improving to 7-0 in such environments.
Game Highlights
- Duke’s record improved to 25-2 with this victory.
- Michigan fell to 25-2, losing for the first time since a January home game against Wisconsin.
- Isaiah Evans added 14 points for Duke, while Yaxel Lendeborg led Michigan with 21 points.
- Duke dominated the rebounding department, winning 41-28.
- Boozer’s father, Carlos Boozer, a former Duke star, attended the game.
After the game, Duke coach Jon Scheyer remarked on the high stakes of the matchup, emphasizing the readiness of the players to compete at a top level. The game felt more like March or April, he noted, signaling the intensity of the contest.
Defensive Strategies
The physicality of the first half showcased both teams’ defensive strengths, with neither side leading by more than five points. Duke’s ability to capitalize on Michigan’s mistakes was crucial. Michigan relied heavily on outside shooting but struggled, going 6-of-25 from beyond the arc.
Second-year head coach Dusty May of Michigan acknowledged the challenges, noting that timely errors and rebounding issues played a significant role in their loss. His team had been praised for its unselfish play, but Duke’s versatile offense proved more effective.
Significance of the Matchup
This encounter was notable as it marked the first meeting between Duke and Michigan in 12 years. The history between these teams includes iconic matchups like the 1992 national championship game. Duke’s victory extended its overall record against Michigan to 23-8.
Both teams displayed a strong fan presence, with ticket prices soaring as high as $6,000 for courtside seats. Fans passionately supported their teams, exchanging cheers throughout the high-stakes match.
The performance in this game is likely to benefit both teams as they prepare for the upcoming NCAA tournament. Duke’s experience in a pressure-filled environment will aid their postseason ambitions.
El-Balad will continue to cover the journey of these elite programs as they navigate the challenges ahead in their respective seasons.
