Duke basketball suffered its first defeat of the season, dropping to Michigan State 79-73 in the State Farm Champions Classic in Chicago. The No. 2 Blue Devils (2-1) struggled significantly on the offensive end, shooting a dismal 33.3% from the field overall and just 25.9% in the first half. The team’s perimeter shooting was particularly inefficient, managing only seven makes on 29 three-point attempts for a 24.1% clip, while their 70.3% free-throw shooting failed to provide the necessary cushion against a resilient Spartan defense.
Head coach admits Blue Devils lacked connection as No. 2 squad falls to Spartans in Chicago
Head coach Jon Scheyer delivered a candid assessment in the postgame press conference, acknowledging that his team was “completely not connected” during the contest. Scheyer credited Michigan State for out-competing Duke, highlighting how role players like Cam Ward and Carr elevated their performance, particularly in the first half. He specifically noted that Jeremy Fears Jr. controlled the pace of the game, stating that the Spartans played with greater cohesion and unity. Scheyer described the experience as an “out of body” moment, emphasizing that the lack of team chemistry was the primary factor in the loss.
Despite the defeat, Scheyer vowed to correct the issues immediately, promising that his players would deliver a better performance for their fans. The coach stressed that while Michigan State deserved the victory due to their readiness and execution, the Blue Devils must fix their internal connections to return to form. This loss serves as a critical early-season wake-up call for Duke, who must now address their offensive stagnation and defensive lapses before the regular season intensifies.
Source: Yahoo Sports
