The defending National Champions are not having an easy time in their third round game against a young but talented Michigan squad. The Wolverines, who appeared to be very much out of the picture when they started the Big Ten season 1-6, are giving Duke all they can handle in the first half of their West Region third round game. The Blue Devils lead 37-33 at halftime behind 10 points from Kyle Singler.
Michigan has been able to stay close thanks to 11 points from Evan Smotrycz off the bench. he has provided a spark while Darius Morris has been held to four points. Zack Novak also has nine points for Michigan, who is trying to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1994 when they reached the Elite 8 before losing to eventual National champion Arkansas.
The Blue Devils hold the lead because of torrid near 60% shooting from the field. Duke also holds a substantial 17-8 edge on the glass, but they have six turnovers. Kyrie Irving and Nolan Smith each have seven points for the defending champions.
The winner will advance to face Kentucky in the West Region semifinals, who defeated West Virginia yesterday to reach the Sweet 16.