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Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for Elite Eight battle with Duke

By Connor Muldowney

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Gabe Brown #13 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a three point basket against the LSU Tigers during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Gabe Brown #13 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a three point basket against the LSU Tigers during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with teammate Xavier Tillman #23 against the LSU Tigers during the second half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with teammate Xavier Tillman #23 against the LSU Tigers during the second half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

1. Michigan State ends drought, beats Duke

We all know the history. We know Tom Izzo’s record against Duke and Mike Krzyzewski is flat-out ugly at 1-11, but there’s always a first — or second in this case — for everything.

With nothing to lose, Michigan State will play one of its most inspired games of the season. For the third straight game, the Spartans will get out to a quick start and take an early lead, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

No, this isn’t LSU or Minnesota so the Spartans aren’t going to hang on to the lead for the entire 40 minutes, but getting out early and making a statement will be huge for this team’s confidence against a more athletic Duke team.

With Michigan State holding Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett under 20 points each, it will be able to extend a late lead from the slimmest of margins (one point) to five in the final minute, putting the game away for good and earning Tom Izzo his eighth trip to the Final Four.

dark. Next. 5 reasons Michigan State can win the national title

Nothing comes easy so this one will be back and forth all game long and Duke will get production from Tre Jones and, if healthy, Cam Reddish, so don’t expect an easy win, but the Spartans will end their drought against Coach K with a 77-72 win.

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