Michigan State was game for the moment.
But Duke's talent was ultimately too much to overcome on Sunday in a high-profile NCAA tournament game that saw the Blue Devils secure a 85-76 victory to keep Mike Krzyzewski's coaching career alive. Duke fought off a barrage of Michigan State 3-pointers and a late Spartans rally to advance to Krzyzewski's 26th career Sweet 16 and post one last win over friend and rival Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo.
Duke held Michigan State at bay for much of the game. But a second-half Spartans surge gave Michigan State a 70-65 edge with 5:10 remaining, raising the specter among Duke faithful that this might be it for Krzyzewski.