Duke vs. Michigan State: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2015 Final Four

The Duke Blue Devils clinched their spot in the national championship game with an impressive 81-61 win over the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday in Indianapolis. 

The Blue Devils continued their strong defensive effort in this one, holding the Spartans to 40 percent shooting while limiting open shot attempts throughout the game.

On the other end of the court, Duke succeeded by getting to the free-throw line and finished 27-of-37 at the charity stripe.

Justise Winslow led the way with 19 points and nine rebounds while continuing an excellent tournament. Jahlil Okafor also had a strong performance with 18 points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Quinn Cook added 17 points in the win.

Denzel Valentine had a big showing for the Spartans with 22 points and 11 rebounds on 7-of-11 from the field. Unfortunately, the rest of the squad couldn't do enough to keep the dream run alive for the No. 7 seed.

Michigan State had a lot of confidence at the start of the game, storming out to a 14-6 lead in the first four minutes. Three three-pointers by Valentine keyed the opening run.

ESPN's Eamonn Brennan was disappointed by Duke's defensive play in the early going:

However, Duke got on track offensively as Okafor dominated in the post. This putback dunk represented two of his 10 first-half points:

Bret Strelow of The Fayetteville Observer also noted a big problem early for the Spartans:

At the same time, the Blue Devils improved their play on the defensive end of the court, forcing tough possessions for the rest of the half. ESPN Stats and Info broke down the difference for Michigan State:

Brian Hamilton of Sports Illustrated gave his thoughts on the game as Duke held an 11-point halftime lead:

Things didn't get much better for Michigan State to start the second half, as Duke extended its lead.

This big dunk by Grayson Allen seemed to deflate the Spartans:

Nicole Auerbach of USA Today believed it was about over at this point:

Jeff Borzello of ESPN broke down the difference in simple terms:

As Jerry Palm of CBS Sports noted, foul trouble remained a problem down the stretch:

Gerry Ahern of USA Today had Izzo's thoughts on the loss and foul disparity (28-18), saying, "I'm not going to complain about the fouls anymore. We got our butts beat. Duke played great. We did not."

Hondo Carpenter of SpartanNation.com had more from Izzo. "I got to do a better job recruiting because I'm just going to get guys that can drive.That's the way the game has changed.”

Michigan State had a few runs to keep things interesting, but it never cut the deficit to single digits in the second half as the Blue Devils closed out the win.

This victory puts Duke one step away from a championship, which will be decided in the finals Monday night. The players are certainly prepared mentally for the challenge of the next step.

"I mean, it’s March,” Winslow said earlier in the week, via Aaron Beard of The Associated Press (via ABC News). “It’s now or never. … I’m preparing better than ever for the games. I’m just really focused and locked in, and really excited to play."

The focus was there from start to finish as Duke dominated its opponent.

Whether Kentucky or Wisconsin wins in the other semifinal matchup, fans will be treated to an outstanding battle for the national championship. Duke has the talent and versatility to stick with either squad Monday night.