Duke Secures 66-60 Comeback Win Over Michigan State

No. 4 Duke achieved a thrilling comeback victory over No. 7 Michigan State, winning 66-60 at the Breslin Center on December 6. This victory improved the Blue Devils’ record to 10-0, marking their fourth win against a top-25 opponent this season and handing the Spartans their first loss, bringing their record to 8-1.

Duke’s Key Players Shine Bright

Cameron Boozer was the star of the game for Duke, finishing with an impressive double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds. He also contributed five assists, showcasing his all-around skills. Other notable performances included Caleb Foster, who added 12 points and delivered critical plays in the final minutes, and Nikolas Khamenia, who scored 10 points while just missing out on a double-double with nine rebounds.

Game Highlights

• Duke trailed by five points midway through the second half but rallied to secure the win.
• The Blue Devils controlled the game’s pace, limiting Michigan State’s scoring opportunities.
• Duke finished strong at the free-throw line, with crucial points coming from Foster and Isaiah Evans.

The game began with Duke forcing a defensive stop and quickly moving ahead with a three-pointer by Khamenia. Despite a strong start, Michigan State countered with a run, briefly taking the lead. Duke’s defense tightened in the first half, allowing them to enter halftime only down by three points, 34-31.

As the second half commenced, both teams battled defensively. Duke knotted the game at 36 before exchanging leads multiple times. The Blue Devils outscored the Spartans in the final stretch, with Boozer’s vital free throws and a crucial three-pointer from Evans sealing the victory.

Historical Significance of the Win

This game marked several milestones for Duke. It was head coach Jon Scheyer’s 99th victory. The Blue Devils’ 10-0 start is the best under Scheyer and matches the best beginning since the 2017-18 season. This victory also highlights Duke’s achievement of three consecutive victories against ranked opponents, a feat never before accomplished in non-conference play by the program.

Defensive Dominance

Duke’s stellar defense held Michigan State to their lowest shooting performance of the season at just 31.8%. The Spartans entered the game averaging 78.6 points per game, but Duke’s tactics limited their scoring opportunities significantly.

Next Steps

Duke will look to maintain their momentum as they prepare to face Lipscomb on December 16, with the game set for 6 p.m. at Cameron Indoor Stadium. To keep up with the Blue Devils, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook under “DukeMBB.”