2022 NCAA Tournament: Key matchups for Sunday's Round of 32 games

2022 NCAA Tournament: Key matchups for Sunday’s Round of 32 games

Mar 18, 2022; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts after a basket against the Cal State Fullerton Titans during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Michigan State Spartans vs. Duke Blue Devils (West Region) – 5:15 PM EST

The Duke Blue Devils and Michigan State Spartans will square off for the 18th time in their program history, while it will be that last in Coach K’s legacy. The Spartans have won two of the last three meetings, though the Blue Devils are 13-4 overall in the series matchup.

Duke enters as the No. 2 seed and following a convincing 78-61 victory over Cal State Fullerton, it looks like so far, so good for them. Paolo Banchero posted his 10th double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds while AJ Griffin (10 pts, 6 rebs) continues to show his emergence.

All five starters scored in double figures and they held their opponents to 29.4 percent shooting from deep. They’ll look to force the Spartans to beat them from behind the arc, something that could prove to be their Achilles’ heel.

Michigan State got all they could handle from Dayton despite leading 67-59 with 59 seconds left in the game. The Wildcats got within two with six seconds left but couldn’t force another missed free throw and fell 74-73.

The Spartans don’t possess the versatility that the Blue Devils do but they do hold a size advantage and as most fans know, all Tom Izzo-led squads play until the final whistle. Look for Michigan State’s experience to keep things close with Duke’s talented inexperienced on Sunday.

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