In a highly anticipated clash that could foreshadow the Final Four, Michigan and Duke are set to face off in the Edward Jones Capital Showcase presented by Bad Boy Mowers this Saturday in Washington D.C. Both teams sit atop the KenPom rankings, promising a showdown filled with top-tier talent and strategic brilliance.
Game Details:
- Matchup: Michigan Wolverines (25-1) vs. Duke Blue Devils (24-2)
- Location: Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
- Time: Tip-off at 6:35 p.m.
- Broadcast: ESPN with Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas, and Kris Budden on the call.
Scouting the Blue Devils:
Duke enters the game with an impressive 24-2 record, having suffered narrow losses to Texas Tech and North Carolina. They're one of only three teams ranked in the top 10 for both offensive (7th) and defensive efficiency (2nd), with Michigan and Houston being the others.
Duke’s offensive prowess is highlighted by their effective field goal percentage (57.8%, 13th) and 2-point percentage (62%, 4th). Their defensive strength is bolstered by their size and versatility across positions.
Key Players to Watch:
- Caleb Foster (G, 6-5, Jr.): A seasoned player with 91 games under his belt, Foster is shooting 38.8% from beyond the arc. His defensive presence is felt thanks to his size and wingspan.
- Isaiah Evans (G/F, 6-6, So.): Averaging 17.1 points in ACC play, Evans is a dynamic three-level scorer. He leads the team in 3-point attempts, showcasing his ability to stretch defenses.
- Dame Sarr (G/F, 6-8, Fr.): Known for his defensive versatility, Sarr’s athleticism and wingspan make him a potential key defender against Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau.
- Cameron Boozer (F, 6-9, Fr.): Leading the nation in scoring and rebounding, Boozer is a force on both ends. His ability to shoot from deep and play inside makes him a difficult matchup.
- Patrick Ngongba II (C, 6-11, So.): A strong passer and interior presence, Ngongba’s combination with Boozer is crucial for Duke’s high-low game.
Game Notes:
- Both Duke and Michigan are leading the pack in the NET rankings, each boasting 10 Quad-1 wins.
- Duke’s defense ranks third nationally, allowing just 63.2 points per game.
- Michigan has dominated opponents with several double-digit victories, including a record-setting 50-point win in Big Ten play.
- Historically, Michigan has struggled against Duke, with their last win dating back to 2008.
Keys to the Game:
- Battle of the Bigs: The matchup between Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg and Duke’s Cameron Boozer is one to watch. Lendeborg’s ball-handling and Boozer’s post play will be pivotal in deciding control of the paint.
- Elliot Cadeau’s Impact: Cadeau’s ability to navigate Duke’s athletic defense will be crucial. His performance against Purdue showed his dual-threat capability, and he’ll need to replicate that against a tough Blue Devil defense.
Where to Watch:
- Radio: WCSX-FN (94.7 FM, Detroit), WWWW (102.9 FM, Ann Arbor)
- Satellite: SiriusXM 85
This matchup promises to be a thrilling display of college basketball at its finest, with both teams eager to make a statement on the national stage.