There is no other way to put it besides “Incredible Guts.” Those were the words Mike Krzyzewski used to describe Duke’s 85-76 Sweet 16 win over Michigan State.
The Spartans erased a once nine point second half deficit and went up by five after a 9-0 run with 5:10 remaining in the contest. In that moment Coach K decided to opt out of calling a timeout and let Duke’s stifling defense win the game for them. The Blue Devils blocked two shots on alternating possessions, got a steal and closed the game on a 13-2 run to advance into the round of 16.
Game Changing Play:
With 1:18 left in the second half, Wendell Moore hit Jeremy Roach on the left wing for a dagger three – extending Duke’s lead by 4. The Blue Devils never looked back. Jeremy Roach finished the game with 15 points on 6 of 10 shooting including 3 assists and a steal.
“It had nothing to do with coaching the last five minutes. It had all to do with heart” K said after the dramatic win.
Duke got punched in the mouth and responded. It was pure emotion and grit from a team that grew up before our eyes in the round of 32.
Minister of Defense
ACC Defensive Player of the Year and finalist for National Defensive Player of the Year, Mark Williams exhibited why he was voted for the award with five monumental blocks and two steals. He also added 15 points and 8 rebounds.
Record Books
According to ESPN Stats and Info, Mike Krzyzewski becomes the first D-1 coach to reach 1,200 wins. Duke had four players score at least 15 points tonight for the first time in the round of 32 or later since the 1990 Final Four against Arkansas.
Number two seeded Duke will take on the three seeded Texas Tech Thursday.