Duke Basketball

Second Half Run Helps Duke defeat Michigan State

Frank Jacson helped key a 9-0 Duke run as they defeated Michigan State 78-69 in Cameron.
Frank Jacson helped key a 9-0 Duke run as they defeated Michigan State 78-69 in Cameron.

The Duke Blue Devils came away with a hard-fought 78-69 victory over Michigan State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge on Tuesday evening.  With a late start it was actually Wednesday before Mike Krzyzewski took to the podium.

''Cameron was electric, it was so darn good and both teams responded to it,'' said Krzyzewski.  And he was right for the old girl erupted when Duke went on a 9-0 run in the second half after being tied at the half.

Grayson Allen led the way for Duke is scoring where he tallied a game high 24 points.  ''Just so you know Grayson does not practice one second, so when he is out on that court, it is a gutsy performance,'' said a frustrated Krzyzewski.

As it turns out, Duke has not been able to hold full practices with a bundle of injuries, some of which have sidelined three of the lands top freshman.

'Our older guys know how to win when they're tired they don;t give up the ship. the white flag does not come up., said Krzyzewski after he praised Matt Jones defense and the play of the ever consistent Amile Jefferson who had another double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds.

The difference in this game was the Blue lmental and physical toughness but it still got help from freshman Frank Jackson.  The first year product scored 11 points, 6 of them coming during stretch that allowed the crowd to get in the game during a run.

It appeared that Krzyzewski felt his team has been under appreciated.  And it has to be frustrating to field constant questions on when freshman will return and or view articles geared towards that than his teams play.  That showed as he spoke to Matt Jones play.

''He is one of he best defenders in the country and we pout him on every outstanding player we play against.  But nobody notices that.''  Krzyzewski continued saying, ''He has a spectacular 2 point performance tonight.  When you all about winning you are super important and Matt Jones is all about winning, he's a beautiful kid. and  great leader for us,''

Also learned this evening is that Luke Kennard had worn a boot for six weeks before healing.  ''He's been as consistently good as anybody on our team.  Kennard, the Blue Devils leading scorer, hit a huge three and then grabbed a key defensive rebound on his way to 20 points.

Duke played just six players in their win which pushed their season reord to 7-1.  Duke will next take on Maine in Cameron  on December the 3rd.

Duke moves to 16-2 in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge which is clearly the best record of any paticipating school.  Amile Jefferson has his fourth double-double in scoring and rebounding in eight games.