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Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from Duke win in Champions Classic

By Carter Landis

ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the first half of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the first half of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State Basketball
Michigan State Basketball (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Michigan State Basketball got it done against the Blue Devils on the road on Tuesday night. What stood out about their upset victory?

Is it too early to call Michigan State Basketball a Final Four team?

The Spartans beat the Duke Blue Devils on Tuesday night, 75-69, at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

It is head coach Tom Izzo’s first victory over Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski in the regular season. Even though there were no fans in attendance, Izzo and the Spartans feel good about the victory.

On The Blue Devils side, it is only Krzyzewski’s third loss since 2000 to a non-conference opponent since 2000. They were held in check by MSU’s tough defense, shooting only 32% from the field and just 22% from the 3-point line. Matthew Hurt led the Devils in scoring with 20 points as well as grabbing 13 rebounds.

For Michigan State, Rocket Watts was tremendous. He scored 20 points, hitting tough shots all throughout the game. He made 5-of-7 free throws as well, coming up clutch at the line.

Early in the game, Duke had no issue getting MSU in foul trouble. They got to the line for their first nine points of the game, while they struggled from the field. After Duke took a 18-9 lead, the Spartans scored six straight to cut into the lead. Izzo’s squad continued to cut into the lead at the end of the first half and eventually took the lead into halftime.

The second half was much less close. Michigan State led by as many as 16 points on their way to a 6-point win. After the dust has settled, let’s take a look at what there was to take away from the upset win for the Spartans.

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