March Madness 2022: Coach K's last ride continues as Duke closes out Spartans

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Mike Krzyzewski’s emotions began to flow with a few seconds left on the clock, when it was finally certain Duke would extend his last NCAA Tournament run.

He whirled around to face the section where his family was sitting behind him and extended both arms to point their way in celebration. He traded high-fives and hugs with his players, then shared a long postgame hug at midcourt with Michigan State's Tom Izzo after beating his friend in the Hall of Fame coaches’ bittersweet final tussle.

Krzyzewski's retirement will be on hold for several more days at least. The Blue Devils survived a tense finish to beat the Spartans 85-76 on Sunday, earning another trip to the Sweet 16 and giving their coach his latest milestones.

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Trailing by five near the 5-minute mark and with their season in peril, the Blue Devils (30-6) responded with one big shot after another, a resilient performance amid uncommon pressure.

It was almost too much for Krzyzewski, who struggled to find the right words to start his postgame news conference.

"You guys were terrific, man," Krzyzewski told the players sitting alongside him, his voice quavering with emotion. "I'm so — I'm really proud to be your coach.

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski celebrates after their win against Michigan State with forward Wendell Moore Jr. during the second half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Greenville, S.C. ((AP Photo/Chris Carlson))

"It had nothing to do with coaching in those last four or five minutes. It all had to do with heart and togetherness. They followed their hearts