Full Court Press: MSU-Duke Preview

If nothing else, tonight's clash at Cameron Indoor Stadium between Michigan State and Duke should be a coaching clinic between Tom Izzo (photo courtesy of New York Daily News) and Mike Krzyzewski. (Photo courtesy of ESPN)

The hype finally comes to a head in Durham tonight with the first of many potential "game of the year" matchups. Forty minutes after Michigan State takes the Cameron Indoor Stadium court against Duke, we'll see whether or not all the hyperbole was well deserved. Until then, our "full court press" pregame preview segment makes its debut by sizing up the Spartans and Blue Devils.

#6 Michigan State Spartans (5-1)

Head Coach: Tom Izzo

Probable Starting Lineup:

PG: Kalin Lucas (6-1 Sr., 17.5 PPG, 3.3 APG, 51% FG, 74% FT, 48% 3pt)

SG: Durrell Summers (6-5 Sr., 15.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 47% FG, 61% FT, 44% 3pt)

SF: Draymond Green (6-7 Jr., 14.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 58% FG, 55% FT, 50% 3pt)

PF: Delvon Roe (6-8 Jr., 6.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.5 BPG44% FG, 79% FT)
C: Garrick Sherman (6-10 So., 6.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 78% FG, 33% FT)

Key Reserves:

G Austin Thornton (6-5 Jr., 3.8 PPG, 53% FG, 4-4 FT, 38% 3pt)

G Korie Lucious (5-11 Jr., 7.0 PPG, 3.8 APG, 32% FG, 6-6 FT)
G Keith Appling (6-1 Fr., 6.5 PPG, 46% FG, 93% FT, 50% 3pt)

Keys To Victory:

Back To Front - Kalin Lucas and Durrell Summers have arguably the most important matchups tonight as they draw Duke's backcourt of freshman Kyrie Irving and senior Nolan Smith. If Izzo decides to start Thornton over Green, it could create a matchup disadvantage early with Thornton giving up three inches to Kyle Singler on the wing for the Blue Devils. However, Izzo's deep and outside-talented bench could force Duke into a premature shootout with Korie Lucious and freshman Keith Appling more than capable of draining trifectas at any given moment.

Get Me Bodied - Derrick Nix is back with the team after taking some time off during Michigan State's Maui Invitational stint, and Izzo will need him at 100% tonight to contend with Duke's twin towers that are better known as the Plumlee brothers, as well as 6-11 big man Ryan Kelly. Kelly and Miles Plumlee have become this year's version of Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas, as both are interchangeable big men that give Duke the physical and imposing paint presence it needs to hold serve on their home court.

Green With Envy - Draymond Green has been one of the team's two most valuable players, and is probably the best matchup for Kyle Singler both inside and outside. The junior's rugged athleticism will be problematic for Duke's All-American if Tom Izzo opts to match him up with Singler, who could be forced into a giving mood if he does not get the open looks he desires.

#1 Duke Blue Devils (6-0)

Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

Probable Starting Lineup:
PG: Kyrie Irving (6-2 Fr., 14.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 49% FG, 92% FT, 41% 3pt)

SG: Nolan Smith (6-2 Sr., 16.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.7 APG, 53% FG, 70% FT)
SF: Kyle Singler (6-8 Sr., 16.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 45% FG, 95% FT, 37% 3pt)

PF: Mason Plumlee (6-10 So., 11.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 62% FG, 40% FT)
C: Ryan Kelly (6-10 So, 5.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 61% FG, 60% FT, 71% 3pt)

Key Reserves:

F Miles Plumlee (6-10 Jr., 4.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 53% FG, 62% FT)

G Andre Dawkins (6-4 So., 11.7 PPG, 56% FG, 77% FT, 55% 3pt)

G Seth Curry (6-1 So., 9.0 PPG, 1.8 APG, 1.7 SPG, 34% FG, 90% FT, 48% 3pt)

Keys To Victory:

Kyrie Eleison - It's time for Kyrie Irving to show what he's made of on the big stage, and his matchup with Kalin Lucas is by far his stiffest competition to date since arriving in Durham after playing for Kevin Boyle at St. Patrick's in New Jersey. Irving has proven himself to be the real deal early on, and could make a name for himself as America's best freshman with an outstanding effort tonight.

All In The Family - The Plumlee brothers have exploited opposing teams' undersized lineups throughout the season, and if the Blue Devils want to continue their torrid start to their title defense, Coach K will need that from the duo again versus Michigan State's frontcourt of Garrick Sherman, Derrick Nix and Delvon Roe. If Duke can force the Spartans into foul trouble, it could mean extended minutes for freshman Adreian Payne, an ideal situation for Duke given Sparty's relative youth up front.

Spread The Love - Not only can Duke shoot, but they're also much more gifted from a passing perspective than the world gives them credit for. If Duke can control shot selection while simultaneously avoiding a long-distance duel, Michigan State will be in for a long night.

So, Who Wins?

This is where you finally say "it took long enough" to reference the Cameron Crazies and the massive homecourt advantage the fans give the Blue Devils in their tiny residence. In fact, the last time a non-ACC team defeated Duke in Durham was ten years ago when St. John's did it back in February of 2000. However, the Blue Devils haven't had (no disrespect to Marquette, and Kansas State was out of their element early in the CBE Classic championship game) the opportunity to face a complete team the likes of Michigan State. In a matchup of experience versus experience, the team with two straight Final Four appearances pulls out a squeaker in Cameron and proves once and for all that records and streaks are indeed made to be broken.

Your Final: Michigan State 79, Duke 75