Michigan Favored Over Duke
Michigan, currently ranked #1, is recommended as "Michigan -2.5" as the top pick against Duke in Washington D.C., with analysts citing Michigan's superior depth of six players averaging 9+ points compared to Duke's three. The Wolverines hold the #1 net rating over the past five games and their size creates matchup problems for Duke.
- This marks the 31st meeting between the two historic programs, with Duke holding a 22-8 all-time series lead. The Blue Devils have had particular success in neutral-site games, winning all six such matchups against the Wolverines. - The game features a stark contrast in styles, pitting Michigan's high-powered offense, which ranks fourth in the nation scoring 90.6 points per game, against Duke's elite defense that allows just 63.2 points per game, the third-best in the country. - Duke is led by freshman phenom Cameron Boozer, who is the ACC's leading scorer and ranks fifth nationally with 22.8 points per game, while also leading the conference in rebounding with 10.0 per game. - Beyond the traditional polls, Michigan and Duke rank first and second, respectively, in the NCAA's NET rankings. They are also tied for the most Quadrant 1 victories in the nation with ten each. - Michigan enters the contest on an 11-game winning streak, including a recent 91-80 road victory over No. 7 Purdue. - The two blue bloods have not faced each other since December 3, 2013, when Duke defeated Michigan 79-69. - This is the third time the teams have met while Michigan holds the No. 1 ranking in the
