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Duke Topples No. 1 Michigan on Neutral Court, Recasting Race for NCAA Tournament’s Top Seed

The Blue Devils’ 68-63 win, following Arizona’s victory at Houston, shifted postgame bracket projections even though the selection committee’s earlier preview had Michigan in the top spot.

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Feb 21, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Anthony Dell'orso (3) splits the defense of Houston Cougars center Chris Cenac Jr. (5) and guard Mercy Miller (25) in the first half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • No. 3 Duke beat No. 1 Michigan 68-63 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., with Cameron Boozer scoring 18 points and drilling a late 3-pointer to help seal it.
  • Michigan’s offense faltered from deep (6-for-24 on threes) and its turnovers turned into nine Duke points, offsetting Yaxel Lendeborg’s 21-point effort.
  • Earlier Saturday, the NCAA selection committee’s bracket preview listed Michigan as the overall No. 1 seed, followed by Duke and Arizona, with Iowa State rounding out the 1-line.
  • No. 4 Arizona won 73-66 at No. 2 Houston the same day, reinforcing its top-seed credentials with a marquee road result.
  • Postgame updates from media bracketologists, including ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, elevated Duke to the projected No. 1 overall seed, though official seeding will not be set until Selection Sunday on March 15.