NCAAB · Final

Duke Defeats Michigan in Close Contest at Capital One Arena

Saturday, February 21, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Capital One Arena

Duke Blue Devils 68, Michigan Wolverines 63, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Michigan Wolverines vs Duke Blue Devils?

Duke Blue Devils beat Michigan Wolverines 68-63 at Capital One Arena on February 21, 2026.

Who was favored in Michigan Wolverines vs Duke Blue Devils?

Michigan Wolverines were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.

In a thrilling matchup at Capital One Arena, the Duke Blue Devils edged out the Michigan Wolverines with a final score of 68-63. Both teams entered the game with impressive records of 25-2, highlighting the significance of this fixture in the college basketball landscape. The contest showcased the intensity and skill of two top-tier programs, each vying for supremacy in the NCAAB.

Duke's recent form has been strong, boasting a record of 9-1 over their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak. They have averaged 76.9 points per game while allowing only 57.7 points, demonstrating their defensive prowess. In their last five games, Duke has maintained an average of 74.6 points scored and 58.4 points allowed. Their home record stands at 5-0, further emphasizing their dominance when playing in familiar surroundings.

On the other side, Michigan has been on a remarkable run, winning all ten of their last games and currently riding a ten-game winning streak. The Wolverines have been particularly effective on offense, averaging 85.5 points per game while conceding 68.9 points. In their last five games, they have scored an impressive average of 91.2 points, underscoring their offensive firepower. Michigan has also been perfect on the road with a 5-0 away record, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.

The matchup was not just about current form; it also featured intriguing betting lines. According to DraftKings, Michigan was favored with a spread of 3.5 points, while the total points were set at 151.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the game, with Duke's moneyline at 150.0 and Michigan's at -180. These figures indicated that the market viewed Michigan as the slight favorite, but the close records of both teams made the outcome uncertain.

In terms of previous meetings, the block does not provide specific historical matchups between Duke and Michigan, but given their storied programs, any encounter is bound to be significant. The game also featured a notable injury picture, although no specific injuries were mentioned in the block, which can often play a crucial role in the dynamics of such high-stakes games.

The conditions at Capital One Arena were conducive to an exciting game, with both teams bringing their best to the court. Fans witnessed a tightly contested affair, with several lead changes and a high level of intensity throughout. In the second half, key scoring plays included a layup by Aday Mara that brought Michigan within three points at 61-58. However, Duke responded with a critical three-pointer from Cameron Boozer, extending their lead to 64-58.

As the game progressed, Michigan's Elliot Cadeau made a crucial three-pointer to narrow the gap to 64-61, but Duke continued to hold their ground. Free throws from Isaiah Evans in the closing moments sealed the victory for Duke, ensuring they would come out on top in this closely fought battle.

Viewers should have noted the strategic plays and the resilience shown by both teams, as well as the standout performances from key players like Cameron Boozer and Elliot Cadeau. The game was a testament to the skill and determination present in college basketball, making it a memorable encounter for fans and players alike.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	MICH -3.5	151.5 o -105 / u -115	Michigan Wolverines -180 · Duke Blue Devils +150

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsCameron Boozer18Duke Blue Devils
AssistsCameron Boozer7Duke Blue Devils
ReboundsCameron Boozer10Duke Blue Devils
PointsYaxel Lendeborg21Michigan Wolverines
AssistsElliot Cadeau6Michigan Wolverines
ReboundsYaxel Lendeborg7Michigan Wolverines

Recent form

Duke Blue Devils

Last 10: 9-1Streak W376.9 scored · 57.7 allowed per game5-0 at home

W101-64vs Syracuse OrangeFeb 17
W67-54vs Clemson TigersFeb 14
W70-54at Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 11
L68-71at North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 7
W67-49vs Boston College EaglesFeb 4
W72-58at Virginia Tech HokiesJan 31
W83-52vs Louisville CardinalsJan 27
W90-69vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsJan 24
W80-50at Stanford CardinalJan 17
W71-56at California Golden BearsJan 15

Michigan Wolverines

Last 10: 10-0Streak W1085.5 scored · 68.9 allowed per game5-0 away

W91-80at Purdue BoilermakersFeb 17
W86-56vs UCLA BruinsFeb 14
W87-75at Northwestern WildcatsFeb 12
W82-61at Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 8
W110-69vs Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 5
W83-71at Michigan State SpartansJan 31
W75-72vs Nebraska CornhuskersJan 28
W74-62vs Ohio State BuckeyesJan 24
W86-72vs Indiana HoosiersJan 21
W81-71at Oregon DucksJan 17

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
Michigan	37-3	-	19-1
Nebraska	28-7	4	15-5
Michigan State	27-8	4	15-5
Illinois	28-9	4	15-5
Wisconsin	24-11	5	14-6
Purdue	30-9	6	13-7
UCLA	24-12	6	13-7
Ohio State	21-13	7	12-8
Iowa	24-13	9	10-10
Indiana	18-14	10	9-11
Minnesota	15-18	11	8-12
USC	18-14	12	7-13
Washington	16-17	12	7-13
Rutgers	14-20	13	6-14
Northwestern	15-19	14	5-15
Oregon	12-20	14	5-15
Maryland	12-21	15	4-16
Penn State	12-20	16	3-17
Duke	35-3	-	17-1
Virginia	30-6	2	15-3
Miami	26-9	4	13-5
North Carolina	24-9	5	12-6
Clemson	24-11	5	12-6
Louisville	24-11	6	11-7
NC State	20-14	7	10-8
Florida State	18-15	7	10-8
California	22-12	8	9-9
Stanford	20-13	8	9-9
Virginia Tech	19-13	9	8-10
SMU	20-14	9	8-10
Wake Forest	18-17	10	7-11
Syracuse	15-17	11	6-12
Pittsburgh	13-20	12	5-13
Notre Dame	13-18	13	4-14
Boston College	11-20	13	4-14
Georgia Tech	11-20	15	2-16

Box score

Stat	Michigan Wolverines	Duke Blue Devils
Field goals	22-55	25-55
Field goal %	40	45
Three-pointers	6-25	6-19
Three-point %	24	32
Free throws	13-18	12-17
Free throw %	72	71
Rebounds	28	41
Offensive rebounds	8	13
Defensive rebounds	20	28
Assists	15	17
Steals	7	4
Blocks	7	5
Turnovers	7	11
Team turnovers	0	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	7	9
Fast-break points	7	5
Points in the paint	24	34
Fouls	16	17
Largest lead	5	8
Lead changes	13	13
Time in front	26	61

How the scoring went

1st Half33-33Cameron Boozer makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
1st Half33-34Patrick Ngongba II makes free throw 1 of 2
1st Half33-35Patrick Ngongba II makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half33-36Patrick Ngongba II makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half33-38Dame Sarr makes layup (Cameron Boozer assists)
2nd Half34-38Yaxel Lendeborg makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half35-38Yaxel Lendeborg makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half35-41Isaiah Evans makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cameron Boozer assists)
2nd Half38-41Morez Johnson Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nimari Burnett assists)
2nd Half40-41Aday Mara makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half40-43Caleb Foster makes driving layup (Cameron Boozer assists)
2nd Half40-45Patrick Ngongba II makes layup (Caleb Foster assists)
2nd Half42-45Roddy Gayle Jr. makes layup
2nd Half42-47Cameron Boozer makes driving layup (Caleb Foster assists)
2nd Half44-47Morez Johnson Jr. makes layup (L.J. Cason assists)
2nd Half44-49Patrick Ngongba II makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Cayden Boozer assists)
2nd Half44-51Nikolas Khamenia makes 9-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half45-51Elliot Cadeau makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half46-51Elliot Cadeau makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half46-53Patrick Ngongba II makes layup (Cayden Boozer assists)
2nd Half47-53Morez Johnson Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half48-53Morez Johnson Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half48-55Isaiah Evans makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
2nd Half49-55Elliot Cadeau makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half49-57Caleb Foster makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half51-57Aday Mara makes layup
2nd Half52-57Aday Mara makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half53-57Aday Mara makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half56-57Yaxel Lendeborg makes 24-foot three point jumper (Elliot Cadeau assists)
2nd Half56-59Isaiah Evans makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Patrick Ngongba II assists)
2nd Half56-60Cameron Boozer makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half56-61Cameron Boozer makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half58-61Aday Mara makes layup (Yaxel Lendeborg assists)
2nd Half58-64Cameron Boozer makes 24-foot three point jumper (Caleb Foster assists)
2nd Half61-64Elliot Cadeau makes 25-foot three point jumper (Morez Johnson Jr. assists)
2nd Half61-66Cameron Boozer makes 9-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half62-66Elliot Cadeau makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half63-66Elliot Cadeau makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half63-67Isaiah Evans makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half63-68Isaiah Evans makes free throw 2 of 2