THe Associated press
INDIANAPOLIS — Duke proved Saturday why it was a top-seeded team and Michigan State proved why it should have been just happy to be here.
Duke let loose its fleet of future NBA stars to score an easy 81-61 win over seventh-seeded Michigan State in the first national semifinal game at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Duke advanced to the championship Monday on the play of four freshmen who have steadily improved.
“We are better,” Coach Mike Krzyzewski said of his team. “We kept getting better. Our guys pay attention and want to learn.”
Duke’s “Fab Four” of Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen contributed 55 of the Blue Devils’ points.
That, combined with 17 from senior guard Quinn Cook, helped push Duke (34-3) to the brink of the championship.
Gritty and tough play got underestimated Michigan State through the East regional, but the Spartans ended up road kill in Indianapolis.
Duke is making its 11th title-game appearance and seeks its third title in Indianapolis after victories in 1991 and 2010.
Krzyzewski is also one win from his fifth NCAA title as a coach.
Duke didn’t look title-worthy in the first four minutes. The Blue Devils trailed, 14-6, at a media timeout before going on a 14-2 run to seize control.
“Our kids, for the next 36 minutes, played lights-out basketball,” Krzyzewski said. “That’s the best we’ve played in the tournament.”
No one watching would argue.
Duke led by 11 at the half and opened the second half with a 6-0 spurt.
Duke pushed the lead to 20 on two Quinn Cook free throws with 13:30 left.
Two Kentucky scouts, charting the game in the event of a Monday night matchup, left with 7:31 remaining and Duke leading by 15.
“I don’t think we played very well,” Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo said. “I think Duke had something to do with that. I think Michigan State had something to do with that.”
Valentine led Michigan State (27-12) with 22 points, while guard Travis Trice had 16.
Duke started the year with a young team and a lot of question marks.
The only question left is whether Duke will hang another banner after Monday.
“The lights and stage have not been too big for them,” Krzyzewski said.
