WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Duke basketball team and coach Jon Scheyer got what they wanted against Michigan — a March test in February.
The No. 3 Blue Devils (25-2, 13-1 ACC) defeated No. 1 Michigan (25-2, 13-1 ACC) 68-63 on a neutral site at Capital One Arena, which could once again host Duke in the NCAA Tournament East Regional, where Duke is expected to be the No. 1 seed.
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It looks suitable.
“That game didn’t feel like a February game, it felt like a March or April game,” Scheyer said.
Cameron Boozer had a team-high 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in the win, as Duke outrebounded Michigan 41-28 and dominated the paint 34-24. Duke went on a 6-0 run to regain the lead and ended the first half 35-33, and did not relinquish the lead the rest of the game. Michigan got within one point twice in the second half, but that was as close as the Wolverines could get.
Scheyer went into the game knowing it would be a big test for his team. While he said he didn’t necessarily learn anything new from the team, he instead saw growth.
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“I saw the connectivity on defense,” he said. “I saw what they did offensively and how they won in March and how they won going forward. That’s the biggest thing I saw.
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“I think there’s still a lot we can do better, and I think that’s a good thing. It doesn’t diminish the pride I have in our team. I think we can still do better, but I think we’ve done it. I think this is just the next step in proving that, showing that.”
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For junior guard Caleb Foster, who finished with 12 points, four rebounds and four assists, the atmosphere was exactly the same as it was in March.
“It definitely feels like a championship game, obviously against Michigan, and then having a neutral site in the environment with Michigan and Duke fans,” Foster said. “It’s a great environment to play in.”
While Schell emphasizes staying in the present, he doesn’t shy away from recognizing how much Saturday’s circumstances will impact later on.
“I do know the game helped us understand the tournament environment,” he said. “… I’m grateful for that, the whole event, the game, because I think it really simulates what’s going to happen and if we get a chance to play in Washington, it helps us a lot.”
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Anna Snyder covers Duke University for the Fayetteville Observer on the USA TODAY Network. Contact her: asnyder@usatodayco.com Or follow her @annaesnydr on X (formerly Twitter).
This article originally appeared in the Fayetteville Observer: Duke basketball beats No. 1 Michigan in tournament-style showdown
