Duke and Michigan State will square off for the sixth time in the last seven seasons on Tuesday when they meet at Cameron Indoor Stadium as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
The Blue Devils are 15-2 (.882) in Challenge games, the most wins and best winning percentage in the event’s history. Duke is 7-0 in Challenge home games and has won four straight in the Challenge overall. Duke’s .942 (114-7) home winning percentage this decade is the third best in the NCAA in that time. Mike Krzyzewski is 493-62 (.888) at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke has won 128 consecutive non-conference home games, a streak that dates back to 2000. The Blue Devils have won the third-most games (216) and have the fourth-best winning percentage (.818) in the nation this decade.
Four Factors to Winning
Duke
| eFG& | TO% | OR% | FTRate |
| 55.1 | 16.3 | 33.9 | 44.3 |
MSU
| eFG& | TO% | OR% | FTRate |
| 55.3 | 22.2 | 28.7 | 29.1 |
When it comes to effective field goal percentage (eFG%), the teams are evenly matched. However, Duke far exceeds the Spartans in all categories including a large lead in offensive rebounding.
Endgame
The key for Duke in this game is to maximize the advantage they have in the post. Amile Jefferson, Chase Jeter and possibly Antonio Vrankovic could have big games for Duke against an ailing Michigan State front court. Michigan State also has been shown to be a poor free throw shooting team this may come as a useful tool for Duke should the game become close in the waning minutes. As a team Michigan State shoots around 60%.
This is a very talented Michigan State team, but this will be the first time these young Spartans play a true road game. Oh, and Cameron Indoor is arguably the toughest place to play in college basketball. Not to mention the Spartans lack overall depth and have had some close calls already with a near loss to Florida Gulf Coast and a blowout loss to Baylor after leading by double digits at one point. Duke’s balance, scoring depth, and help from the home crowd should result in a Blue Devils double-digit victory, 88-77.
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