Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from loss to Duke in Week 2

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 14: Wendell Carter Jr #34 of the Duke Blue Devils is fouled by Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartansduring the State Farm Champions Classic at the United Center on November 14, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Duke defeated Michigan State 88-81. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 14: Wendell Carter Jr #34 of the Duke Blue Devils is fouled by Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans during the State Farm Champions Classic at the United Center on November 14, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Duke defeated Michigan State 88-81. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

3. Rebounding is a major work in progress

It was disappointing to watch a young Duke team out-hustle and out-rebound the veteran-laden Spartans — and by veteran-laden, I mean filled with sophomores.

The length of the Spartans was evident, as mentioned earlier, as they finished with 12 blocks and altered plenty of shots from driving Blue Devils as well as bigs in the post. However, the Spartans’ length was apparently not enough to win the rebounding battle.

Duke’s Wendell Carter Jr. abused the glass, finishing with 12 rebounds to go along with his 12 points, and five of those were offensive. That was the key theme in this game: offensive rebounds. Duke won the game because it continued to get second chances with 25 offensive rebounds. Yes, you read that correctly, they had 25 offensive and just 21 defensive boards.

Michigan State finished with 23 defensive rebounds and 11 on the offensive end. They were out-rebounded by 12 and it was because the Spartans could not seem to box out effectively.

Home/Spartans Basketball