Duke struggled against Michigan State's swarming defense on Tuesday, absorbing a tough loss, 79-73, in the State Farm Champions Classic at United Center in Chicago.

The No. 2 Blue Devils suffered their first loss, while the No. 5 Spartans remained undefeated in three games. Duke also bowed to Michigan State for the first time in five meetings in the annual tournament.

The Spartans held the Blue Devils to just 33.3% shooting, including 7-of-29 from beyond the arc. Duke gave up 16 points on 13 turnovers.

In the postgame conference, Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer tipped his hat to the Spartans, touting their readiness and cohesion.

“Congrats to Michigan State. They 100% deserved to win. I thought they outcompeted us. They played more together. (Jeremy) Fears controlled the whole game. I thought the difference was their role players. They were incredible. (Cam) Ward, what he did in the first half changed the game,” said Scheyer in the video posted by Carolina Blitz.

Jon Scheyer’s opening statement after Duke’s 79-73 loss to Michigan State. pic.twitter.com/W9c6Fj5VJQ

— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) November 11, 2026

Fears had 18 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists, while Ward added 14 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench.

John Blackwell led Duke with 17 points and five rebounds. He went 5-of-16 from the field. Patrick Ngongba II added 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four blocks.

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Scheyer pointed out Duke's lack of synergy and vowed to play better.

“For me, it was a little out-of-body experience. I thought we were not connected. That's just the bottom line. We're gonna fix it. I can promise you that much. Our fans deserved better. That was not a good performance tonight,” added Scheyer.

Duke will try to bounce back against SIU Edwardsville on Friday.