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Duke Basketball: Keys to success against Michigan State in the Elite Eight

By Lukas Harkins

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Barrett of the Blue Devils reacts. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Barrett of the Blue Devils reacts. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Duke basketball has survived back-to-back scares to reach the Elite Eight. How can the Blue Devils take down Michigan State to reach the Final Four?

Duke basketball is now just 40 minutes away from the Final Four. After back-to-back incredibly tough victories over UCF and Virginia Tech, the Blue Devils are right in the position that many thought they would be in by this time. With that said, though, they have stumbled a bit through the tournament to this point as they have shown several signs of weakness. Of course, they are still easily one of the most talented teams in the nation and they are also led by a Hall of Fame head coach in Mike Krzyzewski.

But, though, in order to reach the famed final weekend of the NCAA Tournament, Duke will have to get past Michigan State. The Spartans have also been one of the best teams in the country throughout this season while being led by another Hall of Famer in Tom Izzo. With this coaching matchup and some of college basketball’s brightest stars ready to take the court in this pivotal Elite Eight matchup, this has the makings of one of the best tournament games in some time.

Duke is currently the favorite to win this matchup but it won’t be easy. Michigan State is clearly an elite opponent and they are even ranked higher in KenPom heading into the game. There are several facets of this meeting that are intriguing but here are three keys to success for the Duke Blue Devils to walk away victorious. (Note: All statistics used in this article were found via KenPom or Sports-Reference.)

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