In a showdown that felt like a prelude to March Madness, No. 1 Michigan faced off against No.
3 Duke at Capital One Arena, and the game did not disappoint. Both teams, renowned for their defensive prowess, brought intensity to the court, but Michigan struggled to find its rhythm against Duke’s athletic defense.
Michigan coach Dusty May reflected on the 68-63 loss, acknowledging the learning opportunity it presented. "Games like this teach us about ourselves," May noted, emphasizing the growth potential for his team.
The Wolverines faced a defensive gauntlet, with Duke stifling their offense. Michigan shot a season-low 40% from the field and a dismal 6-for-25 from beyond the arc. The second half was particularly challenging, as Michigan made only eight baskets and endured a six-minute scoring drought.
The frontcourt trio of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara carried the scoring load, combining for 44 points. However, the backcourt struggled, with Nimari Burnett going scoreless and only L.J. Cason hitting more than one shot.
Duke’s defense was relentless, drawing comparisons to Michigan State’s physicality. Lendeborg, who scored 16 of his 21 points in the first half, praised Duke's defensive coordination and athleticism. "They’re tough to beat when shots aren’t falling," he remarked, highlighting the game as a valuable learning experience.
Rebounding was another area where Michigan faltered, with Duke winning the battle 41-28. Mara’s foul trouble limited his first-half minutes, forcing Michigan into less favorable rotations. Duke capitalized, securing five more offensive rebounds and an 18-11 edge in second-chance points.
Despite these struggles, Michigan fought back, narrowing the gap to a single possession four times in the final minutes. Yet, crucial stops and rebounds eluded them, underscoring areas for improvement as they head toward postseason play.
Johnson expressed optimism about the lessons learned, "We’ll watch the film and come together stronger," he said. The loss doesn’t derail Michigan’s ambitions; their goals for Big Ten titles and a national championship remain intact. Thanks to UCLA’s win over Illinois, Michigan is on the brink of clinching a share of the Big Ten regular-season crown.
Coach May emphasized the value of such high-stakes games in preparing for the NCAA Tournament. "This environment readies us for the challenges ahead," he stated, noting the electric atmosphere with over 20,000 fans and ESPN’s “College GameDay” in attendance.
The game provided a taste of the pressure and excitement March brings. Lendeborg reflected on the experience, "Though we didn’t get the win, we grew as a team and had fun. This is what March is all about."