A neutral-court, non-conference game between Duke and Michigan sounded like a big deal when it was announced during the offseason.
Now it might be even bigger than anticipated.
The third-ranked Blue Devils and No. 1 Wolverines will jockey for position atop the AP Top 25 poll when they clash Saturday evening in the Capital Showcase in Washington, D.C.
“It was very clear that they were going to be one of the best teams in the country when we scheduled this game,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. “But again, you don’t know they are going to be No. 1, and you hope you’re going to be really good. You never know before the season starts.”
Michigan (25-1) already passed a significant test this week with Tuesday’s 91-80 road victory against No. 7 Purdue. Less than a month ago, the Wolverines had another week with two matchups against Top 10 opponents — defeating Nebraska and Michigan State.
“No. 1 ranking for the first time (this season), we felt like we had something to prove,” Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau said of his team, which has won 11 straight games.
Duke (24-2), meanwhile, has only a pair of one-possession losses on its strong resume.
Michigan coach Dusty May said it should be a valuable experience heading toward the end of the regular season.
“We don’t know them well, so we have to execute a game plan with short prep,” May said. “If we do, it’ll be an awesome win. If not, it’ll be a great learning experience moving forward.”
That sounded much like Scheyer.
“We will be ready,” he said. “We’ll grow and learn, and then we will get back to ACC play.”
In Scheyer’s view, this is an ideal situation for the Blue Devils as they step outside of Atlantic Coast Conference competition. They’re the leaders of the ACC.
“I love the fact where we are with our team, and I love the fact where (the Wolverines) are,” Scheyer said. “That is what this game should be all about. I think it is going to bring out the best in both teams. To get a chance to have this game, in February, at a neutral site where all the postseason games we play is in this type of environment, is such an incredible opportunity for our group.”
With perhaps an uncertain atmosphere for Saturday’s game, the Wolverines feel they should be able to adjust as needed.
“This team is super tough,” Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg said. “We have a lot of ways we can set the tone.”
Cadeau had a team-high 17 points in the Purdue game, with six Michigan players in double figures in scoring.
“That’s how we’re built — a team where many guys are capable of stepping up and making contributions,” May said.
Cadeau has had past matchups with Duke, when he played for North Carolina.
The Blue Devils are coming off Monday night’s 101-64 demolition of visiting Syracuse. That game included Duke smoothing out some wrinkles it recently endured on offense.
Star freshman forward Cameron Boozer, who had 22 points and 12 rebounds, called that a “nice little statement.” He continues to supply big-time production, as he has 14 double-doubles this season.
