Duke and Michigan State Set for Champions Classic Showdown

Duke and Michigan State meet on November 10 at the United Center in Chicago. The Blue Devils are ranked No. 2 and the Spartans No. 6; both enter the Champions Classic game with 2-0 records.

Michigan State’s offense centers on guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who scored 15.2 points and dished out 9.4 assists each contest, a national high, last season. In the teams’ meeting in East Lansing last season, Duke won 66-60. Fears had 13 assists but scored six points on 0-for-10 shooting.

Sophomore wing Jordan Scott has opened this season averaging 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists across Michigan State’s first two games. Freshman guard Jasiah Jervis has started both, while forward Coen Carr could pose a transition threat: Michigan State forced 28 turnovers in its first two games.

Duke’s guard depth will be a factor in the matchup, while its transition defense will face an early challenge. The Blue Devils finished last season 35-3 and shot 49.1% from the field; Michigan State went 27-8 and averaged 78.8 points per game. The game follows two opening tune-ups for Duke and will test both teams against a prominent opponent.