Five takeaways from Michigan’s 68-63 loss to Duke

No. 1 Michigan has been unseated. Just after earning the No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll for the first time since 2013 — and being named the current No. 1 overall seed by the NCAA Tournament —  the Wolverines will likely cede the top spot to Duke.

The third-ranked Blue Devils are easily the best team, and freshman forward Cameron Boozer the best player, that Michigan has faced this season. Neither disappointed for the now likely-unanimous No. 1 team nationally.

Here are five takeaways from the Duel in the District.

YAXEL LENDEBORG STARTS STRONG

Lendeborg owned the game’s first stretch. But Lendeborg’s and the game’s quick start proved to be a facade. Instead, emerging from the largely defensive contest was Boozer proving his mettle in the game’s paramount minutes.

Boozer scored the Blue Devils’ last seven points preceding Isaiah Evans’ dagger free throws. 

In contrast, 15 of Lendeborg’s 21 points came within the first 10 and a half minutes of the game. Lendeborg did hit a three to bring the Wolverines within one, 57-56, with less than four to play, but Duke made a concerted effort to limit his scoring output for the bulk of the game.

“No, I still had the same looks I had first half. They just weren’t falling,” Lendeborg said. “Typically, well this game especially, I tried to set the tone early, just try to enforce my will on them and make it a lot easier for guys second half. But, yeah, It was the same opportunity, I just wasn’t capitalizing second half.”