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Michigan State Basketball: Keys for Spartans to beat Duke in Elite 8

By Ryan Kay

DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 21: Aaron Henry #11, Matt McQuaid #20, Cassius Winston #5, Xavier Tillman #23, and Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans stand on the court during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament against the Bradley Braves at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 21: Aaron Henry #11, Matt McQuaid #20, Cassius Winston #5, Xavier Tillman #23, and Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans stand on the court during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament against the Bradley Braves at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 29: Michigan State Spartans Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo watches the action dusting the first half of the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at the Breslin Center on December 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Northern Illinois 88-60. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 29: Michigan State Spartans Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo watches the action dusting the first half of the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at the Breslin Center on December 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Northern Illinois 88-60. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Winning the Final Two Minutes

Duke has been fortunate to have defeated Virginia Tech and Central Florida in both games being decided by two or fewer points. Others may argue that Duke showed composure and the willingness to win by playing so well near the end of both games. However, both of the recent Blue Devils opponents are not considered top-tier opponents and to only win by two or fewer points in back to back games shows some vulnerabilities that the Spartans can take advantage of.

Michigan State has played very well in their last two games winning by 20 and 17 points. They unlike Duke has already played a top-tier opponent in SEC regular season champion LSU in this year’s NCAA tournament. The Spartans have to do what the Hokies and the Golden Knights were unable to do which is win the final two minutes of the game. Duke was able to do what was necessary in the final two minutes of their last game in order to win. The Spartans look to change that.

The Spartans must rely on the veteran leadership of Winston, Matt McQuaid, and Kenny Goins to not commit costly turnovers in the final two minutes. They also must be prepared to make key free throws and if necessary make a three pointer with under a minute to play. The simply must make smart decisions against Duke in the final two minutes of the game in order to be victorious.

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