Duke Basketball vs Michigan St: 81 - 61

Michigan St attempted to blow Duke out at the start, hitting multiple three pointers in quick order and taking a 14 - 6 lead.  Then Duke found their defense and Michigan St started missing.  At that point, Duke just gradually caught up and gradually pulled ahead.  It really didn't feel to me that Duke went on any quick runs.  It was just a methodical type game.  I think it felt that way, because as with the Utah game, Duke didn't shoot many three pointers.  They were only 2 for 10.  So there weren't any moments where they just shot ahead by 6 or 8 points within seconds.  For example, to start the 2nd half they were up 36 - 25.  After a couple minutes, they were up 42 - 25 and I couldn't help but wonder how they'd build up such a big lead, because it all felt so gradual.

What did I like?

I liked how the reserves played.  I think their play goes beyond just the 11 points they scored.  Marshall Plumlee set a screen that opened up a scoring lane.  Amile Jefferson played some tough defense on an inbound play that resulted in a turnover.  As the clock was ticking down in the 1st half, Grayson Allen tipped a ball and then got the ball and threw up a prayer that wasn't answered.  It was just over-all great effort by the bench.

A lot has been said about Jahlil Okafor's play during the tournament.  He didn't show much against Utah and Gonzaga.  Of course, in those two games, he was nearly always double teamed and sometimes tripled teamed.  Michigan St decided not to go in that direction and they paid for it with Okafor scoring 18 points.  I think Okafor should be praised for his play against Utah and Gonzaga.  Duke doesn't have a plethora of big men.  If he had gotten frustrated and committed silly fouls, Duke might not be where they are now.

I'm happy this game wasn't competitive.  With Duke's short bench and considering how competitive the Wisconsin v Kentucky game was, maybe Wisconsin will be tired out for Monday's game.  One can only hope.