74 - 69 It took a full half that was back and fourth, but the Duke Blue Devils were able to use a series of runs early in the second to pull away from Michigan State and get Mike Krzyzewski his 903rd victory.
Duke used an outstanding performance from Andre Dawkins who scored 26 points including 6-10 from three point range to keep the Blue Devils in the game and then eventually pull away from a very physical Michigan State team.
After a first half that saw the Blue Devils manage only three offensive rebounds and basically get pushed around by the Spartans, Duke came out aggressive in he second half and was able to build up a 20 point lead before holding on to win 74-69.
Despite the Spartan's late surge though, this game was all Duke in the second half, as Seth Curry asserted himself as the team leader and Ryan Kelly provided some outstanding play on both ends of the floor. Kelly started the second half for Miles Plumlee who did not have a great game.
In the end it was all about the Blue Devil's Hall of Fame Coach. Krzyzewski immediately after the game, and right after he shook hands with Tom Izzo, walked across the court to embrace his former coach, his mentor and friend, Bob Knight.
Krzyzewski went into the stands and shared a moment with his family including his brother before accepting a ball form NCAA President Mark Emmert.
After the game Krzyzewski was only focused on his team and moving forward.
"They did some really neat things today until the end of the game," Krzyzewski told ESPN's Andy Katz.
When asked what his plans were for the game ball he said that it would go in the trophy case back in Durham.
"It's not a ball a coach should have. Its a ball a school and a program should have."
Of all the great wins that Krzyzewski has had at Duke, this wasn't the prettiest or the best executed but it is a win and Duke moves to 3-0 on the very young season.
Duke struggled in many aspects of the game. Austin Rivers, who was awarded the ACC Freshman of the week, did not play particularly well and was in foul trouble most of the night.
Mason Plumlee had an up and down game and both he and his brother were whistled for technical fouls. Tyler Thornton was banged around quite a bit and as is expected in a tight ball game, the bench players didn't see much time in the second half.
There is a lot to process and we will have more coverage of the next few days with pictures and possibly video from our man in the stands. Stay tuned to the Duke Sports Blog for coverage of all things Duke Football and Basketball.
