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Duke continues quest for fourth Maui Invitational title

Nov 20, 2007 - 2:52 PM No. 10 Duke (3-0) at Illinois (3-0) 9:30 pm EST

MAUI, Hawaii (Ticker) -- Most of Duke's first three games have been over by halftime. They may need all 40 minutes if they hope to a win on Tuesday.

The 10th-ranked Blue Devils meet Illinois in the semifinals of the Maui Invitational.

Duke opened the game on Monday on a 31-4 run en route to an easy 83-61 win over Princeton.

With the victory, the Blue Devils improved to 10-0 all-time at the Maui Invitational. Duke is the only team to win this event three times, doing so in 1992, 1997 and 2001.

After a disappointing first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament last season, the Blue Devils look to be dangerous once again with the help of some younger players.

Freshman forward Kyle Singler, who is one of five Duke players averaging more than 10 points, had 21 points and 12 rebounds in the rout of the Tigers. Sophomore guard Jon Scheyer, who added 10 points, has reached double figures as a reserve in all three games while freshman forward Taylor King is also averaging 11.0 points per game.

Illinois left little doubt in its 77-54 romp of Arizona State on Monday. Forwards Rodney Alexander and Brian Randle each posted 17-point efforts for the Illini, who are holding their opponents to 37 percent shooting and 62 points per game.

The Illini - who are 5-2 all-time here - have not defeated Duke since 1995.

The winner of this game will play either No. 13 Marquette or Oklahoma State in the championship game Wednesday. The losers will meet in a consolation game.