Duke won 85–76, beating Tom Izzy's impressive performance from Michigan State.
Both teams played at a high level, but things didn't go well when the more experienced bunch of Spartans were led by Tyson Walker on three and 68-65. Things were not looking good then Michigan State extended the lead to five when Marcus Bingham hit a pair of free throws. But Duke was about to go to the race for 15 points.
Paolo Banchero made a remarkable layoff and cut the lead back to three. Jeremy Roach followed up with a layup of his own to cut it 70-69.
Joy Hauser hits a pair free then Trevor Keels hits a huge three to tie it back.
AJ Hoggard hits a layup to bring Sparti back to 74-72, then Kielce splits on a free throw.
Then Banchero hit a basket and Jeremy Roach followed up with one of the most deliveries for Duke in the NCAA Tournament as Bobby Hurley hit that giant shot late in 1991 against UNLV.
Duke Four.
Then Wendell Moore hit his free throw before hitting Walker for the final point for Michigan State. Five more free throws for the Devils sent them into Sweet Sixteen.
It was never going to be an easy game. The only way to beat Michigan State is ever going to be easy if they beat themselves in November or maybe let you play, but that's by design. That team is ready to face defeat to be strong.
The Spartans beat Duke 5-13 11-22 which is a problem. But Duke hit 27 two-point baskets and 16 free throws with those five fours. And Mark Williams, Paolo Banchero and Theo John made the inside tough for Michigan State. Williams had five blocks and changed several shots. Something they simply did not dare to try with him.
There was a lot to like in this game but perhaps the most surprising thing was the game of Roach. He finished with 15 points and showed a sharpness and ruthlessness that we have seen glimpses of but never quite. Lots of praise to pass around, but they get some special approval, not least for that surprisingly final three.
You can't ignore Banchero's block or Moore was alert enough to get the ball back. But as Michael Jordan once said, when the game is on the line, a lot of people will look away. Roach adopted it and completely changed the look of the game.
It was a wonderful moment for Roach.
And for Duke?
For the Duke, it means that the Duke is leaving… the Duke.
Coach Kay coincidentally won his 1,200th game and, if we remember correctly, his 100th NCAA game as well. This works on his legendary career for almost four additional seasons.