Emotional Coach K commends Duke players after MSU win: 'They had guts'
Legendary Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski praised his players after they squeaked out an 85-76 win over Michigan State to advance to the Sweet 16.
"So proud of my guys. For a young group, they showed incredible guts. That wasn't any coaching - they had guts," Krzyzewski told CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson following the game.
The Blue Devils trailed 70-65 with 5:10 remaining in the second half before rallying to end the game on a 20-6 run. Star freshman and projected 2022 lottery pick Paolo Banchero led the squad with 19 points while three other Duke starters finished with 15 points apiece.
An emotional Krzyzewski commended his players' determination and teamwork during his postgame press conference:
“I’m really proud to be your coach. It all had to do with heart.” 🥺
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2022
Coach K fights back tears after @DukeMBB’s W over MSU. #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/rxGNu96kSn
Krzyzewski is in the final season of a storied coaching career with Duke that's spanned more than four decades. The Blue Devils' latest victory marked the 1,200th of the 75-year-old's career and his 100th win in NCAA Tournament competition.