Michigan State vs. Duke: Live Score, Highlights and Sweet 16 Game Reaction
The Michigan State Spartans, simply put, didn't have enough energy and consistency in the second half of Friday's 71-61 Sweet 16 loss to the Duke Blue Devils.
The No. 3-seeded Spartans hung around in the first half, entering the break down 32-31, but poor shooting, undisciplined defense and a lack of offense cost them a trip to the Elite 8.
The No. 2-seeded Blue Devils were fueled by a fantastic first half from Seth Curry, who finished with a game-high 29 points. However, he was held at bay for most of the second half -- but that didn't matter, because Duke buckled down with great defense and locked down Michigan State.
Duke guard Rasheed Sulaimon didn't get enough credit from CBS announcers during the telecast. He scored 16 points and made 12-of-14 attempts from the line. Mason Plumlee was able to shed Derrick Nix and Adreian Payne long enough to put up 14 points and grab seven rebounds.
The Spartans' offense couldn't buy a bucket during the final 20 minutes. Gary Harris was ice cold and Nix's foul trouble didn't help, either. Harris scored six points after putting up 23 against Memphis in the Round of 32.
Keith Appling led Michigan State with 16 points. Payne scored 14.
Duke faces Louisville in the Elite 8.
Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan State Spartans basketball writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81
