State Farm Champions Classic at the United Center in Chicago

No. 5 Michigan State delivered an impressive defensive performance Tuesday night, knocking off No. 2 Duke 79-73 in the State Farm Champions Classic at the United Center in Chicago. Jeremy Fears Jr. led the way with 18 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds as the Spartans used their trademark physical defense to frustrate the Blue Devils throughout the night. Michigan State held Duke to just 33.3% shooting (20 of 60) from the field and forced 13 turnovers to secure the victory.

Cam Ward added 14 points for Michigan State (3-0), while Jordan Scott made a major impact defensively with six of the Spartans’ eight blocked shots and two of their seven steals. The victory marked Michigan State’s first win over Duke since a 75-69 decision on Dec. 1, 2020. The Spartans also improved to 7-9 all time in the Champions Classic, the annual early season event featuring Michigan State, Duke, Kansas and Kentucky.

Michigan State’s Defense Sets the Tone

Playing the aggressive, swarming defense that has become a trademark of coach Tom Izzo’s teams, Michigan State made life difficult for Duke from the opening minutes. The Blue Devils entered the matchup averaging 98.5 points through their first two games after recording runaway victories over Army and Coastal Carolina.

Duke had also shot a combined 55% from the field in those contests, but the Spartans quickly disrupted its offensive rhythm. Duke managed to shoot just 25.9% (7 of 27) from the field in the first half as Michigan State built a 34-25 halftime advantage. Fears was instrumental in creating the separation, recording eight assists before the break.

Late in the first half, Fears drove inside and set up Ethan Taylor for a three-point play, helping the Spartans maintain control heading into the locker room. Michigan State continued to build its advantage after halftime. Jesse McCulloch converted two free throws before Fears completed a three point play to give the Spartans a 50-36 lead with 13:37 remaining.

Duke Makes a Late Push

Duke refused to go away, gradually working its way back into the game during the second half. John Blackwell led the Blue Devils (2-1) with 17 points, while Patrick Ngongba II added 11. Duke also received opportunities at the free-throw line but struggled to capitalize consistently, finishing 26 of 37 from the stripe. The Blue Devils cut Michigan State’s lead to 73-68 when Caleb Foster converted two free throws with 2:03 remaining, creating a tense finish.

However, Scott answered with a driving layup to restore some breathing room for the Spartans. Fears then calmly knocked down two free throws with 39 seconds remaining to help Michigan State secure the 79-73 victory. Fears’ all-around performance proved especially important down the stretch, as he controlled the offense, created opportunities for his teammates and helped Michigan State withstand Duke’s late rally.

Up Coming Basketball Games for Michigan State and Duke

Both teams will return to action Friday night as they continue their early season schedules. Michigan State will host Northern Iowa as the Spartans look to remain unbeaten and build on their impressive victory over one of the nation’s top ranked teams. Duke will return home to host SIU Edwardsville, looking to bounce back after its first loss of the season.