No. 5 Michigan State defeated second-ranked Duke 79-73 in the Champions Classic at Chicago's United Center, exposing significant flaws in the Blue Devils' early-season form.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer did not mince words after the game. "That wasn't Duke basketball," Scheyer said. "We weren't connected, and we're gonna fix it, I can promise you that much." Duke managed just 0.75 points per possession in the first half and struggled with poor shot selection and a lack of offensive cohesion.
Michigan State's defense dominated, led by sophomore wing Jordan Scott, who grabbed nine rebounds and blocked six shots. "Jordan is the X factor on defense," MSU forward Cam Ward said. Point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., a national player of the year candidate, controlled the game throughout.
Duke's backcourt of Cayden Boozer and Caleb Foster combined for a difficult night. Boozer played only nine minutes in the second half, while Foster shot 2-of-10 from the field. Transfer John Blackwell led Duke with 17 points, but most came late when the outcome was decided.
Highly touted 17-year-old center Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje finished with five points and four rebounds. Scheyer acknowledged the need to better involve him: "We gotta look for him. We gotta put him in better positions."
The loss forces a recalibration for Duke as Scheyer searches for lineups that play "we, not me" basketball. Michigan State, meanwhile, continues its tradition of physical, tough-minded play that could make them a threat in March.
