Michigan State’s Defense Sends Duke to First Loss

Michigan State used physical defense and timely scoring to hand Duke its first loss of the season, winning 79-73 at Chicago’s United Center on November 10. Jeremy Fears Jr. led the Spartans with 18 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds.

The Blue Devils struggled to find their shooting touch, making 20 of 60 shots from the field. Michigan State forced 13 turnovers and blocked eight shots, with Jordan Scott accounting for six blocks. Duke also went 26 for 37 at the free-throw line.

Duke had opened the season with two decisive wins, averaging 98.5 points while shooting 55% from the field. Against Michigan State, it managed just seven field goals on 27 attempts in the first half and trailed 34-25 at the break. Fears had eight assists by halftime.

The Spartans stretched their lead to 50-36 in the second half. Duke rallied to within 73-68 with 2:03 remaining, but Scott answered with a layup and Fears hit both free throws with 39 seconds left. Cam Ward scored 14 for Michigan State, while John Blackwell had 17 for Duke.

Michigan State improved to 3-0 and earned its first win over Duke since December 2020. Duke, now 2-1, is scheduled to host SIU Edwardsville on Friday; Michigan State hosts Northern Iowa that night.