AL

Duke vs. Michigan State: Champions Classic The #2 Duke Blue Devils face their first regular-season test as they take on a solid #5 Michigan State in the Champions Classic in Chicago, IL. The Blue Devils won at the historic Breslin Center last year, so the Spartans will want their revenge. Duke's opponent is deep, as they have six double-digit scorers and have played a ten-man-deep bench in their 2-0 start under Tom Izzo. These two programs have tangled often, with Duke holding a 16-4 edge in the series. The Spartans have always played Duke tough, keeping a storied Duke roster out of the Final Four. Jeremiah Fears leads the Spartans in scoring and averages a double-double in scoring and assists this season. They have a behemoth in 7-2 Anton Bonke, who averages 10.0 ppg and 10.0 rpg in just over 16 mpg. The Blue Devils have settled on an early-season lineup of Patrick Ngongba, Dame Sarr, Cayden Boozer, John Blackwell, and the freshman Joaquim Boumtege Boumtege. Sebastian Wilkins has settled into an energy role, and Caleb Foster is rounding back into rythem after his injury. Another freshman carving out a role while learning is Deron Rippey Jr., and there are four more serviceable Blue Devils pushing these guys. So, Duke's strength is its depth. This is an early-season measuring stick for Duke against a quality opponent. We will see further development in real time as this game provides the first opportunity for Duke head coach Jon Scheyer to show who he trusts in November. I see a Blue Devil win here, but not without a fight, versus a team that will try to bog the game down into a half-court matchup. We may also see Drew Scharnowski back in action. #2 Duke and #5 Michigan State are both ranked for the fifteenth time in twenty meetings. The game tips off at 7:00 on ESPN