No. 1 seed Duke is headed to the NCAA Championship after handily defeating No. 7 seed Michigan State, 81-61, in the Final Four.
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The Spartans appeared to be building up to an epic upset over the Blue Devils as they led, 14-6, early in the first half before a 22-6 run by Duke.
The second game had zero suspense as the Blue Devils continued to build their lead over the Spartans and play suffocating defense after leaving three-point shots open.
Forward Justise Winslow showed that he is not the only big man on Duke with an NBA future as he led the team with 19 points and nine rebounds.
Center Jahlil Okafor, who is widely expected to be selected first overall, scored 18 points while adding six rebounds. Guard Quinn Cook chipped in another 17 points.
For Michigan State, guard Denzel Valentine scored a team-leading 22 points while snagging 11 boards. He was the main catalyst in the Spartans’ fast start as he drilled three three-point shots.
Duke will face the winner of the Kentucky-Wisconsin game in the championship on Monday.
Here are a few highlights of Duke’s convincing blowout win over Michigan State.
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