Duke basketball looking to get back on track against Michigan State

The Duke basketball team is looking back bounce against Michigan State. 

The last performance by the Duke basketball team against Arizona left fans and critics with much to desire. Despite a roster brimming with talent and promise, the Blue Devils found themselves on the losing end of a game they were expected to win.

The matchup against Arizona showcased moments of brilliance from Duke, but they ultimately fell short, leaving players and fans hungry for redemption.

Jon Scheyer will have a tall task as he faces a loaded Spartan roster and the Hall of Fame coach, Tom Izzo.

Duke will have to fix some things if they want to come out with a victory like its rebounding, defense, and offensive efficiency.

Against Arizona, Duke was outrebounded, 45-33, with 15 being offensive rebounds. The Blue Devils also had their fair share of defensive lapses, leading to easy buckets for the Wildcats.

ALSO READ: Duke not playing ‘winning basketball’ in critical stretch

Duke will also have to get more from their stars, specifically point guard Tyrese Proctor, who played a very average game. He finished with just eight points, five assists, and one rebound, and if Duke is going to reach its full potential, they will need more from their point guard.

Mark Mitchell is another player who looked out of sorts but was very solid on defense. It’s still undetermined how much success Duke can have with him floating on the perimeter and spotting up for 3-point opportunities. He is best suited to playing the power forward position and being able to slash and making plays close to the rim.

Duke basketball needs to utilize seldom used players

Christian Reeves and Sean Stewart appeared in the loss and provided a shot in the arm for the Blue Devils.

Stewart had a 3-minute stretch where he drew a charge, got a tip in, and secured a rebound.

Christian Reeves made a beautiful play out of the pick-and-roll with Proctor, where he caught a lob when Arizona played drop coverage. It seems like Scheyer might have bigger plans to play Stewart after he mentioned that Stewart gave him some things to think about, and he learned much about the possibilities.

ALSO READ: Jon Scheyer takes blame for loss to Arizona

From a talent perspective, this will be the third game which Duke has the best player on the floor in Kyle Filipowski.

Duke will need him to be special again against Michigan State, as he will be the center of attention and the defense’s focus. The Spartans do not have a player that can match up with the ACC Preseason Player of the Year, so they will likely throw multiple bodies at him and possibly double him in certain spots on the floor.

Tom Izzo is a head coach whose gritty style of play and defensive intensity will be a challenge for Filipowski, him to rise to the challenge and have a big game.