Fears Leads Michigan State Past Duke in Champions Classic

Michigan State handed Duke its first loss of the season, using a strong defensive effort and Jeremy Fears Jr.’s control at point guard to secure the 79-73 victory at the United Center. The Spartans’ win was their fourth in 19 meetings with Duke under coach Tom Izzo.

Fears scored 12 of his 18 points from the free-throw line and added 11 assists and seven rebounds, with four turnovers. After a subdued first half, he helped Michigan State keep Duke from mounting a late challenge. Coach Izzo said Fears had been pushed to meet the expectations attached to his preseason standing and praised his effort in the game.

Sophomore forward Jordan Scott contributed five points, nine rebounds, six blocks and two steals. His defensive work helped fuel a team performance that held Duke, the preseason national title favorite, to its first wire-to-wire defeat since 2024.

The performance adds to Fears’ early-season case as a national player of the year contender. His 9.4 assists per contest led the nation last year and set a conference record, and he averaged at least 15 points and nine assists. His line against Duke was the first of at least 18 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds against a top-two opponent since Dwyane Wade did so for Marquette in 2003.

Michigan State will look to build on the win as the season continues. Fears could join Shawn Respert, Draymond Green and Denzel Valentine as Spartans to win a national player of the year award if he maintains his production and helps the team contend for a Big Ten title.