INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- With the calendar turned to April, Tom Izzo's March magic has run out.
Michigan State's inspired run to the Final Four ended on Saturday with a 81-61 loss to the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Duke's freshman front court of All-American Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow combined for 37 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Blue Devils.
Denzel Valentine led Michigan State with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Travis Trice ended his college career and incredible NCAA Tournament with 16 points for the Spartans. Branden Dawson added 12 points and 7 rebounds in his final college game.
Michigan State built a 14-6 lead in the first 3:42 of the game sparked by three 3-pointers by Valentine. The Spartans shot 15 percent (3-20) from the field the last 16:18 as Duke outscored MSU 30-11 to close the half and never let the Spartans closer than 13 points.
This is Izzo's ninth loss in ten career games against Mike Krzyzewski.
