Michigan State vs. Duke: Score and Twitter Reaction from Champions Classic 2014

In one of the most exciting early matchups of the season, Duke pulled out a critical win, 81-71, over Michigan State in the Champions Classic.

Duke moves to 3-0 on the season while Michigan State is 1-1, having barely eclipsed Navy for their lone win. ESPN College Basketball provided a look at the final from Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis:

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#4 Duke defeats #19 Michigan State, 81-71 4 of 5 Blue Devil starters scored in double figures #ChampionsClassic pic.twitter.com/fwEbQCeVuz

— ESPN College BBall (@ESPNCBB) November 19, 2014"

The Blue Devils were paced by their outstanding freshmen in Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones and Justise Winslow, who combined for 49 points. Quinn Cook, the experienced point guard, tallied a game-high 19 points and six assists of his own.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski discussed how his young players stepped up with Andy Katz, per the ESPN broadcast.

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We've got a lot of young guys, so they're feeling it out. Quinn [Cook] and Tyus [Jones] in the backcourt really seemed to settle us down...For the freshmen it's like an NCAA tournament game. I thought our freshmen were tired. They wanted to play tonight so badly. Jah did a really good job and he'll get more comfortable.

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Okafor, of course, was the big story of the night. The frosh center comes into the 2014-15 campaign with the spotlight squarely on him as a preseason All-American candidate. He spoke about receiving that honor prior to the season, per The Associated Press, via NCAA.com.

"I just have to realize that it's just the preseason expectations and to try to live up to those expectations during the season," Okafor said.

The 6'11" center more than lived up to that hype against Michigan State as he torched the Spartans in the paint. Evan Daniels of Scout.com and Laura Keeley of The News & Observer offered their take on Okafor during his first game on the big stage:

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INDIANAPOLIS—Things go well for Duke when the Blue Devils get to ball into Okafor. When they don't, not so much

— Laura Keeley (@laurakeeley) November 19, 2014"

Despite getting into foul trouble in the second half, Okafor still had a huge impact for Duke.

But Okafor wasn't the only freshman making noise on Tuesday night for the Devils. Jones was one of the most heralded first-year players for Duke, but it was Winslow who made his presence felt against the Spartans.

Matt Norlander of CBS Sports shared one coast-to-coast play for Winslow that stood out:

Winslow's standout play only adds to the depth of this year's Duke squad along with the experience of Cook and Amile Jefferson.

Speaking of experience, Denzel Valentine (13 points, three assists) and Branden Dawson (18 points, nine rebounds) had a great night for Michigan State. Though it wasn't enough to ultimately get the job done for Sparty, their leadership will be a necessity in the Big Ten.

Prior to the game, Dawson was challenged by coach Tom Izzo to step up against Duke. Brian Calloway of the Lansing State Journal passed along comments from Dawson:

Valentine, on the other hand, was looking to shake off a rough game against the Midshipmen to start the season. The junior had five points and three turnovers in the opener, but he was much more efficient on Tuesday night.

Seth Davis of Sports Illustrated noted the difference between the two games:

Even with phenomenal games from both veterans, the freshmen were simply too much to handle in Indianapolis. Moving on from players like Adreian Payne and Gary Harris will be difficult for Sparty, but it has time to recover from this loss before starting Big Ten play.

For all of the talk entering the season about Duke's poor defense last year, Okafor had two of five team blocks. The Devils were out-rebounded 35-25, but the young big men will improve in the paint after the Champions Classic.

Both programs still have a bright future ahead and might collide again in the NCAA tournament. For now, Duke comes away with a decisive victory to add to its resume and remains undefeated early in the season.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.