Every freshman in college basketball has that one game that makes a statement letting his teammates and fans know he has arrived. For Duke’s Kyrie Irving, Wednesday night’s contest against the #6 ranked Michigan State Spartans served as his coming out party as he dropped 31 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in helping the Blue Devils defeat Michigan State 84-79 and remain perfect(7-0) this season.
The game was a tight contest throughout until Duke used a 12-2 run midway through the 2nd half to finally take a double digit lead. The Spartans showed no quit as big man Draymond Green scored 10 of his 16 points in the final minute as his teammates nailed 9 of 12 free throws down the stretch to keep the game close. Korie Lucious had a great game, scoring 20 points on 7 of 12 shooting but Michigan State turned the ball over 20 times, turning into 28 Duke points, which turned out to be the difference.
Duke big man Mason Plumlee continued his stretch of good play by notching his 3rd double-double of the season, chipping in 10 points and 10 boards. The 2nd year player currently leads Duke in rebounding(8.7) and blocks(2.1). Kyle Singler also added 15 points and 7 rebounds in the winning cause.
Irving set a new career high with 31 points, besting his previous high of 17 points scored in a game earlier this season. He became just the fourth Duke freshman to score 30 or more points, and the first since current Magic player JJ Redick back in 2003.
Duke’s fabulous freshman showed poise well beyond his years as he seemed comfortable at the helm of coach K’s offensive scheme, even several times yelling at his upperclassmen teammates after missed assignments. Irving’s signature take charge moment came early in the first half when he made a spectacular block on Spartan forward Garrick Sherman’s lay-up attempt, sending the sophomore sprawling into the numerous camera crews on the baseline.
Many writers are already questioning everyone’s premature selection of North Carolina freshman Harrison Barnes as the nation’s best freshman and Pre-season All American 1st Teamer since he has struggled a bit in the early going, averaging a mere 11.3 ppg and 6.1 rebounds compared to Irving’s impressive team leading 16.9 ppg, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals, to go along with a .522 FG%, .440 3PT%, .881 FT%. Many have even now anointed Irving as the leader to being selected as the #1 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Check out some highlights of Duke’s win over Michigan State:
You can also check out ESPN’s highlights of the game here.
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen also provides content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
