Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski adjusted his lineup to incorporate more guards that could protect the perimeter on defense as well as penetrate Michigan’s zone en route to a 73-71 victory.

Irving’s addition to the Duke rotation added more than his 11 points, nine of which came from free throws. It allowed Krzyzewski to play a four-guard lineup to help defend Michigan’s perimeter shooters.

“We wouldn’t be going forward if he didn’t play today,” Krzyzewski said. “That doesn’t take away from … anyone else, but you take one of those kids out of the equation and, you know, Michigan is going forward because they played winning basketball."

The freshman used his quickness superior athleticism to beat the Michigan guards off the dribble and then draw fouls in the lane.

“(Michigan) did a really good job against us, but they would have done a better job against us if we were real big," Krzyzewski said. "They can slice you up.”