Washington DC- Tonight’s highly anticipated college basketball matchup between the #1 Michigan Wolverines and the #3 Duke Blue Devils is giving the college basketball faithful an early appetizer to the rapidly approaching March Madness.

After spending the majority of my morning on set of College Gameday- it’s clear that this game will be one for the ages. Two of College Basketball’s bluest of blood programs facing off in our Nation’s capital- you can’t ask for much more than that. In true College Gameday fashion; fans from both squads brought the juice early this morning. Analytics were discussed, fans cheered and chanted but most importantly, the signs were proudly displayed.

The entire Gameday experience live only built anticipation for the ‘NCAA Tournament feel’ that this game should possess, but we can even go a step further. During College Gameday it was mentioned to the audience that tonight’s game ball would be a Wilson Evo NXT: the same ball used in the NCAA Tournament. Introduced in the 2021-22 season, the fluorescent orange Wilson Evo NXT balls can’t be missed on the court. Designed with a Micro-Touch composite leather cover, the Evo NXT is designed for an enhanced grip and a super soft core to improve shooting touch, however it can also be described as ‘bouncier’ than other regulation balls. 

Despite the game being hosted at Neutral Site Capital One Arena, Duke is the designated home team for this marquee matchup. When at home, both the Duke Blue Devils and the Michigan Wolverines utilize a Nike Elite Championship Basketball for in game usage.

With March right around the corner and the lights of Capital One Arena shining bright, this game felt less like a regular February matchup and more like a preview of what’s to come for the Duke Blue Devils and Michigan Wolverines, as Jon Scheyer and Dusty May continue getting their teams ready for the intensity of March Madness

Cover Photo Credits- CBS Sports