Top-Ranked Powers Collide as Michigan Faces Duke in Capital Showdown WASHINGTON (Interstat) — A potential national championship preview unfolds Saturday when the top two teams in the country, Michigan and Duke, meet in a marquee nonconference clash at Capital One Arena. The Wolverines (25-1), whose only loss came in November, enter on a 19-game winning streak. They are coming off a 91-80 road victory at then-Purdue on Tuesday, led by guard Elliot Cadeau’s 17 points and seven assists. Cadeau has been a steady force, averaging 9.6 points and 6.6 assists over his last eight games. The Blue Devils (24-2), whose two losses are by a combined six points, have won 10 of their last 11. They demolished Syracuse 101-64 on Monday behind 22 points from forward Cameron Boozer. The standout sophomore is averaging 21.9 points over his last seven contests, including a 32-point, 9-rebound performance against Wake Forest last month. This high-stakes matchup, staged on a neutral court in the nation’s capital, features contrasting strengths. Michigan’s offense, averaging 84.2 points per game, is orchestrated by Cadeau and fueled by balance, with four players scoring in double figures in the win at Purdue. Duke counters with a formidable defense, allowing just 62.8 points per game, anchored by the versatile 6-foot-9 Boozer. The game marks a rare regular-season meeting of the nation’s top two teams in February. Both squads have dominated their conference schedules, with Michigan atop the Big Ten and Duke leading the Atlantic Coast Conference. A win would bolster either team’s case for the overall seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. For Duke, it’s an opportunity to avenge last season’s Elite Eight loss to the Wolverines. For Michigan, it’s a chance to solidify its historic season with a statement victory against its closest competitor. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. EST Saturday, Feb. 21, with television coverage on ESPN.