Duke outlasts Michigan State, advances to Sweet 16
It wasn’t always easy, but Duke outlasted Michigan State in an intense Round of 32 matchup on Saturday afternoon.
The Blue Devils prevailed 85-76 in what was one of the best games of the NCAA Tournament so far. Duke led for most of the game until a late charge by Michigan State gave the Spartans a 5-point lead.
Duke finished the game on a 20-6 run over the final 5:10 of game time. The Spartans made just two field goals in that span.
Paolo Banchero was in control for most of this game. He finished with 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting. He also had 4 assists, which is tied for the team lead.
However, it was Jeremy Roach who stepped up the most down the stretch. He scored 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the second half. Roach also hit a dagger 3-pointer with just over 1 minute remaining to give Duke a 4-point lead.
JEREMY ROACH. ONIONS pic.twitter.com/IHvQWgoxjd
— Crazie TWT Live (@CrazieTWTLive) March 20, 2022
This is win No. 99 for Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski in the NCAA Tournament. No other coach has even reached the 80-win benchmark.
This is also Coach K’s record-breaking 26th trip to the Sweet 16. The Blue Devils will meet either Texas Tech or Notre Dame in that matchup.
Duke will play on Thursday for a spot in the Elite Eight. Game time is to be announced.