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Rapid Reaction: Michigan State takes down No. 1 seed Duke, advances to Final Four
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The Michigan State Spartans had a brutal task ahead of them on Sunday — beat No. 1 seed Duke and star F Zion Williamson if you want to reach the Final Four.
Despite all the adversity the Spartans have faced all year, they rose to the challenge once again, delivering an absolutely incredible effort in Washington D.C. to pull off the major upset.
It was close at the end of the game, but the Spartans held on for a narrow 68-67 victory over a team many had picked to go all the way. As has become common all year, Michigan State PG Cassius Winston was sublime, scoring 20 points and dishing out 10 assists for the Spartans.
Now, Michigan State is off to the Final Four in Minneapolis, and they’ll be a tough out for Texas Tech on Saturday.
Xavier Tillman chipped in with 19 points and nine rebounds for coach Tom Izzo’s squad. Williamson scored a game-high 24 points for Duke and also had 14 rebounds, with R.J. Barrett chipping in 21 points.
How much longer can Michigan State’s magical run continue? We’ll find out on Saturday.
A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam is the news editor across all Saturday Football brands.