Mike Krzyzewski postpones the retirement time once more. As Duke took on Tom Izzo’s Michigan State in the second round of the West Region, the legendary Blue Devils coach saw his proteges make the difference in “money time”, taking advantage of their power advantage to make the decision ( 85-76).
However, it was far from simple once morest the Spartans, carried by Gabe Brown (18 points in the end) in the first half. Paolo Banchero is already talking his shoulders but Michigan State clings (39-35) at the break.
Duke is believed to have taken the game for good on the return from the locker room, taking a 9-point lead (46-37) but Marcus Bingham Jr. puts the lid back on his comrades’ misfires, Michigan State manages to surprise the opponent’s defensive withdrawal and ultimately remains somehow in the game.
The Spartans are however jostled each time the Blue Devils attack the circle, the power deficit being clear, but despite the placement of Mark Williams (15 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks), Duke cannot manage to extricate themselves from his opponent. And as AJ Griffin turns his ankle and Paolo Banchero begins to hesitate on each choice, Tom Izzo’s players go ahead and even take a five-point lead (65-70).
But the impact of Paolo Banchero will ultimately make the difference, as Duke finishes the match with a 20-6. The strong winger hammers his opponents and with some precious baskets from Jeremy Roach and Wendell Moore Jr, he allows his team to regain control of the match to get out of the opposing trap (85-76).
Mike Krzyzewski can sketch a rare and shy smile before going to greet Tom Izzo, he is still qualified for the Sweet Sixteen, where he will find the winner of the match between Texas Tech and Notre Dame.
