CHICAGO — The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Duke Blue Devils 79-73 on Tuesday night in the 2026 State Farm Champions Classic at the United Center. The early-season showcase featured a competitive first half highlighted by a key defensive play from Spartans guard Jordan Scott, who blocked a shot by Duke's Deron Rippey Jr.
The victory gives Michigan State a marquee non-conference win against a perennial powerhouse in Duke. The Champions Classic, held annually at neutral sites, continues to provide high-profile matchups between elite college basketball programs to open the season.
