GREENVILLE, S.C. — On Wednesday after his failed attempt to sidestep the inevitable question about a potential second round matchup with No. 2 Duke, Tom Izzo said, “It would be an honor,” for No. 7 Michigan State to play against Mike Krzyzewski, who he referred to as his “best friend.”
Two days later, Izzo got his wish: The Spartans squeaked by No. 10 Davidson 74–73, and Duke rolled past No. 15 Cal State Fullerton 78–61, to set up the clash of Hall of Fame coaches.
Izzo is 3–12 all-time against Krzyzewski but the last time Krzyzewski played in the NCAA tournament in 2019, it was Izzo who sent him fishing in the Elite 8.