Blue Devil Country

Social Media Reacts to Duke's Big-Time Game Against Michigan

In a top three matchup, Duke faced off against the No. 1 team in the country and looked to prove that it is the best team in the country.
Luke Joseph|
Feb 16, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) celebrates with Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba II (21) during the during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
Feb 16, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) celebrates with Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba II (21) during the during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

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Duke Blue Devils

Duke faced off against its toughest test of the season on a neutral court, battling the No. 1-ranked Michigan Wolverines in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night. Since its heartbreaking loss to North Carolina, Duke has played amazing defense and has now held its opponents to below 65 points in four straight contests.

The Blue Devil offense has been electric of late and looked to have a big night against Michigan's top-ranked defense.

Let's see how Duke fans reacted to this top-shelf matchup.

1st Half

Isaiah Evans was playing aggressive. Although he had missed two threes in a row, he had a great driving dunk over a Michigan defender.

In the early going, Duke did not seem to be prepared for Michigan's offense in transition.

At the first media timeout, Duke led, 12-11. Isaiah Evans led the Blue Devils in points with five.

Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg was dominant early against the Blue Devils, with 12 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting from the field and 1-for-1 from three.

Duke's Caleb Foster showed off his range with back-to-back three pointers to put the Blue Devils up, 22-21.

Duke and Michigan would keep the game a back-and-forth affair with the score tied at 26. Duke was able to get Aday Mara to pick up his third foul of the game with just over seven minutes left in the first half.

The Blue Devils left at least four points off the board by missing the first free throw on a one-and-one shot. Michigan had taken advantage attacking the rim and taking a three-point lead at the final TV timeout in the first half.

At halftime, Duke was able to draw a last-second foul and convert the one-and-one to take a 35-33 lead.

2nd Half

The second half would show great defense from the Blue Devils, holding Michigan to 1-for-4 shooting from the field.

Duke was dominating on the offensive glass, with 11 offensive rebounds at that juncture. Duke was also playing great defense around the perimeter, forcing Michigan into tough shots and holding the Wolverines to 4-for-19 from three.

Cameron Boozer would pick up his fourth foul with over nine minutes remaining, and Duke would look stagnant on offense for a spell.

Cameron Boozer would come back into the game, though, and the Blue Devils' offense would do just enough to maintain the lead.

Michigan would gain momentum and after being down eight, bringing the deficit down to one after a Lendeborg three.

Cameron Boozer would hit a cluth three-point shot to give Duke a six-point lead. After a three from Michigan's Elliot Cadaeu, Boozer would have a nice isolation play that resulted in a Michigan goaltending call.

Duke's Patrick Ngongba II would get his own miss to kill about 10 seconds off the clock. Isaiah Evans would then be fouled and make both free throws, giving Duke a five-point lead with 14 seconds left.

Duke would win the game, 68-63, after a great contest on defense, knocking off the No. 1 team in the nation.

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Luke Joseph
LUKE JOSEPH

Luke Joseph is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in journalism. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of sports and commitment to storytelling, he serves as a general sports reporter On SI, covering the NFL and college athletics with insight and expertise.