It’s rare that the college basketball world gets a game this big in February. When No. 1 Michigan and No. 3 Duke take the floor in the nation’s capital, it will be a battle between two favorites to be the last team standing come April.

This neutral-site clash in D.C. carries a heavyweight title feel, the top-ranked team in the country in Michigan against a Duke squad led by the presumptive National Player of the Year, Cameron Boozer. The Blue Devils have been nearly unstoppable behind Boozer’s nightly double-doubles, but they’ll be tested by a Wolverines rotation that looks more like a professional frontcourt than a college roster.

The headline act, however, is the individual showdown in the paint. While Boozer is the current frontrunner for every major individual award, Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg has surged to a spot right behind him as one of the truly elite players in America. Lendeborg has transformed into a superstar, combining his reigning defensive reputation with a refined offensive game that has him trailing only the Duke phenom in most national MVP conversations. When it comes to individual matchups, Boozer vs. Lendeborg is one of the best we’ll see all year.

STREAM: Watch Duke vs. Michigan on the ESPN App

The supporting casts are equally decorated, as Michigan relies on the steady hand of Elliot Cadeau, who has evolved into a premier floor general capable of igniting the Wolverines’ fast break at a moment’s notice. To counter Michigan’s interior size —which includes the 7-foot-3 skyscraper Aday Mara anchoring the rim — Duke will look to the lethal perimeter scoring of Isaiah Evans. Evans provides the shooting potential necessary to crack a Michigan defense that rarely gives up an easy look inside.

Both Dusty May and John Scheyer have been to the Final Four, but both are in search for their first national championship as head coaches. With both teams ranking in the top five of nearly every analytical metric, these two squads have as good of a chance as anyone to be the last one standing.

The Sporting News brings you live updates from the heavyweight clash in Washington D.C. Follow along below.

MORE: Michigan, Duke renew surprisingly rich rivalry that is ready for new chapter

Duke vs Michigan basketball score

 

Duke vs. Michigan updates, highlights from 2026 college basketball game

6:24 p.m.: Earlier today, No. 2 Houston hosted No. 4 Arizona, the first of two Final Four-like matchups.

The Wildcats went into Houston and beat the Cougars, who suffered their first loss at home.

Now, time to see what this game has in store.

6:12 p.m.: Duke has two losses this season, both coming on last second shots to North Carolina and Texas Tech.

The Blue Devils have trailed for less than 10 seconds all season.

6:00 p.m.: We’re getting closer.

Duke-Michigan tips off in 30 minutes.

5:40 p.m.: Earlier today, the first top-16 rankings were released.

Both Duke and Michigan are projected one seeds, and don’t be surprised if they stay there the rest of the way.

4:50 p.m.: There aren’t many better games than this in college basketball. When No. 1 Michigan and No. 3 Duke take the floor in D.C., it’s going to be a toss up from the tipoff.

Where to watch Michigan vs. Duke basketball

Michigan vs. Duke start time

  • Date: Feb. 21
  • Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

The top-ranked No. 1 Michigan Wolverines and No. 3 Duke Blue Devils will tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET on, Saturday, Feb. 21. Unlike the usual campus showdowns, this marquee non-conference clash takes place on a neutral floor at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., as part of the Edward Jones Capital Showcase.

What channel is Michigan vs. Duke on?

The Wolverines and Blue Devils can be caught nationally on ESPN. The network’s premier pregame show, College GameDay, is on-site in the nation’s capital to set the stage for this potential Final Four preview.

The broadcast team features Dan Shulman on play-by-play, with Jay Bilas providing color commentary and Kris Budden reporting from the sidelines. Fans looking to stream the action can do so via the ESPN App with a valid cable login.

Share this post

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up with the latest blog posts by staying updated. No spamming: we promise.
By clicking Sign Up you’re confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.

Related posts