ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The No. 1-ranked Michigan Wolverines continued their strong season with a commanding road win against the No. 7-ranked Purdue Boilermakers 91-80, a game that was never truly competitive as the Wolverines jumped out to a double-digit lead early and extended it to more than 20 points in the first half.
The victory on Tuesday (Feb. 17) marked Michigan’s first inside Mackey Arena since January 2021.
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Michigan had six players score in double figures, and although Purdue made a late run, Michigan’s 25-1 overall record and 15-1 mark in the Big Ten officially secured them the triple-bye for the Big Ten Tournament, meaning they will not play until Friday in the Big Ten quarterfinals.
The Wolverines will not take the court in the Big Ten Tournament until Friday in the Big Ten quarterfinals.
Michigan already has six AP-ranked wins this season, tied with the Arizona Wildcats for second in the country, behind only Duke.
Fittingly, Michigan will face Duke on Saturday (Feb. 21) at the “Duel in the District” in Washington, D.C., in the Edward Jones Capital Showcase inside Capital One Arena.
In the No. 1 vs. No. 3 matchup, ESPN’s College Gameday will broadcast the potential game of the season. Tip-off is slated for 6:35 p.m.
Time to run it back! 13 years was too long.
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) June 24, 2025
Hey, @DukeMBB, see you in DC!
Release: https://t.co/RVwp0z58rA#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/TQCEVWX7Bl
Analysts say Michigan has been the best team in college basketball for much of the year, despite Arizona’s longer stay at No. 1.
Michigan’s dominant performances in the 2025 Players Era Festival in Las Vegas dominated the field, going 3-0 while averaging a 36.7 margin of victory, defeating San Diego State (94-54), Auburn (102-72), and Gonzaga (101-61) in the early-season tournament, showcasing their strength.
The Wolverines’ depth has been a key factor, with nine starters who rotate based on who has the hot hand, especially on the perimeter.
Michigan head coach Dusty May’s front line is considered one of the best in the country.
Players like Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, Trey McKenney and Morez Johnson Jr., who transferred from Illinois, have been significant contributors.
The men in maize also boast strong shooting, hitting 13 three-pointers and converting 18 of 23 free throws during their matchup vs. Purdue, led by transfer Elliot Cadeau, who finished with 17 points.
Looking ahead, Michigan is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament, likely playing in Buffalo, Chicago, and Indianapolis for regional rounds.
The Big Ten Tournament and NCAA selection committee reveal are approaching, with Michigan poised as the favorite to bring the conference its first national championship in men’s basketball in over 25 years.
But they still have a huge test ahead of them with Duke on the horizon.
The last time Duke and Michigan played was on Dec. 3, 2013, in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge at Cameron Indoor Stadium, when No. 10 Duke defeated No. 22 Michigan 79-69.
The Wolverines’ last victory came on Dec. 6, 2008, when they upset No. 4-ranked Duke 73-71 in Ann Arbor.
--> Dusty May says No. 1-ranked Michigan basketball is built for February grind after Purdue victory