The Duke Blue Devils were able to knock off the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines on the road in a shocking upset on Saturday night, 68-63.

While many believed that Michigan would ultimately pull away with a victory, the Blue Devils managed to keep the game close for the majority of the contest, thanks to the likes of freshman star Cameron Boozer. The prolific forward finished the matchup with a team-high 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

In addition to the huge victory, Duke also proved how clutch they can be in the late parts of the game, as the program held a lead for the final minute. Having the ability to hold on to tight leads has been a major concern for the Blue Devils heading into the month of March, but head coach Jon Scheyer was quick to eliminate this narrative when talking to reporters after the contest.

“These guys have won a lot of close games, too,” Scheyer stated. “They have won a lot of close games. Caleb Foster has won a lot of close games, and Caleb Foster has won a lot in his time here, and this is no different from other games we’ve been in early in the year against Florida, Arkansas. Undefeated basketball is tough, it is. These guys [have been] studs [at the] end of games. I think there has been a complete [misconception]; we’re not going to be perfect, we’re not going to win every game, but these guys have won close games, big games. They have gotten leads, kept leads, and we will keep learning and growing.”

Throughout the 2025-26 college basketball season, Duke has clearly demonstrated itself to be one of the best teams in the nation, losing a total of two games this year. However, both of the program’s losses this season have come down to the final buzzer, which is where this narrative has stemmed from this year.

Back in December, the Blue Devils suffered their first loss of the season after winning the first 11 games, falling to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, 82-81. At one point early in the second half, Duke held a double-digit lead, but would slowly lose momentum for the rest of the contest. And with three seconds left, Boozer fouled Christian Anderson, sending him to the line to put the game on ice.

Duke suffered another heartbreaking loss earlier this month when facing the North Carolina Tar Heels on the road. Tar Heels star guard Seth Trimble managed to hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, handing the Blue Devils their second loss of the season.

Luckily for Duke and Scheyer, the program’s win over the Wolverines is a promising sign heading into the NCAA Tournament.

Despite being on the road in a hostile environment, the Blue Devils held their own until the very end of the battle, giving fans some clarity for the rest of the season.

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