Michigan State beats Duke 79-73 after leading throughout
Michigan State defeated Duke 79-73 in the Champions Classic in Chicago, with Jeremy Fears Jr. contributing 18 points and 11 assists. The fifth-ranked Spartans never trailed against the second-ranked Blue Devils. Fears scored 15 points after halftime, while Jordan Scott’s defensive work helped Michigan State secure its first win over Duke in this event.
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Fears guides Michigan State past Duke
US college basketball team Michigan State defeated Duke 79-73 in the Champions Classic in Chicago, leading from start to finish.[1], [2]
The fifth-ranked Spartans faced the second-ranked Blue Devils, who fell behind by as many as 14 points after halftime. Michigan State had lost all four of its previous meetings with Duke in the event.[1]
Jeremy Fears Jr. directed the win with 18 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. He scored 15 of his points in the second half.[1]
Duke struggles against the defence
The victory came with Michigan State holding Duke to 25 first-half points on 26 per cent shooting. The Blue Devils committed nine turnovers before the interval and made seven of 29 three-point attempts across the game. Jordan Scott supplied nine rebounds, six blocks and two steals, while Cam Ward added 14 points and six rebounds.[1]
Izzo’s challenge precedes Fears’s response
Coach Tom Izzo had asked more of Fears after an inconsistent preseason and opening two games. The guard, the previous season’s national assists leader, attacked the basket early and provided three assists as Michigan State opened an 11-2 lead. Duke coach Jon Scheyer criticised his team’s pick-and-roll defence and the freedom it had allowed Fears.[1]
