Duke basketball added another impressive chapter to its storied history on Saturday, taking down top-ranked Michigan 68-63. This victory is a significant milestone, marking only the third time Duke has defeated a No. 1 team in the last 42 years.
This win against Michigan is Duke's first triumph over a top-ranked team since their 84-81 victory over Gonzaga back in 2021 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Prior to that, the Blue Devils took down No.
1 Syracuse 66-60 in 2014 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. In both of those memorable matchups, Duke was ranked No.
In total, Duke has faced 33 teams ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25, securing 11 wins in those high-stakes games. Remarkably, the Blue Devils have emerged victorious in three of their last four encounters with top-ranked opponents.
This latest win also rekindles a unique rivalry with Michigan. It's the third time Duke has clashed with the Wolverines when Michigan held the No. 1 spot.
Notably, back in 1992, No. 4 Duke defeated top-ranked Michigan 79-68 at Cameron Indoor.
In 1964, it was Michigan who came out on top, beating Duke 86-79.
Duke's victory over Michigan is part of an impressive season resume, with nine wins over ranked teams. This includes victories against No.
7 Michigan State, No. 15 Florida, and No.
20 Louisville, among others.
The Blue Devils have also shown their prowess on NBA courts, boasting a 107-36 (.748) all-time record across 13 current NBA venues. Under coach Jon Scheyer, Duke has a strong 16-7 record in NBA arenas, including a 13-4 run over the last three seasons.
According to KenPom rankings, Duke stands seventh nationally in offensive efficiency and second in defensive efficiency, making them one of only two teams, alongside Michigan, to be in the top seven in both categories.