(Recap from The Sports Network)
Durham, NC – Freshman sensation Kyrie Irving shined on the big stage with a 31-point effort, leading top-ranked Duke to an 84-79 victory over sixth-ranked Michigan State in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
Irving eclipsed 20 points for the first time in his collegiate career to lead Duke (7-0) to its 81st consecutive home win in non-conference action. He went 8-of-12 from the field and 13-of-16 from the free throw line.
Nolan Smith added 17 points, Kyle Singler had 15, and Mason Plumlee contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Blue Devils, who improved to 11-1 in this yearly event.
Korie Lucious registered 20 points off the bench for the Spartans (5-2), who had won the last meeting between these storied programs in the 2005 NCAA Tournament. Draymond Green and Kalin Lucas provided 16 and 14 points, respectively, in defeat.