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No. 8 Duke routs Maine 75-34 in McCallie's return

Dec 22, 2009 - 3:54 AM ORONO, Maine(AP) -- Joanne P. McCallie's return to Maine was full of turnovers and pressure. Just the way she likes it.

Karima Christmas and Bridgette Mitchell each scored 16 points and No. 8 Duke cruised past Maine 75-34 on Monday night, giving coach McCallie a victory in her return to Alfond Arena.

Duke's full-court trap forced a season-high 34 turnovers and held Maine (2-7) to 30 percent shooting. The Blue Devils (9-2) pulled away with a 24-4 run in the first half.

"We're a pressure team, an up-tempo team," McCallie said. "We're going to use every aspect of our team to our advantage."

Before the game, McCallie received a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 3,700 and was lauded for her time with the Black Bears, an eight-year stretch highlighted by six straight NCAA tournament appearances (1995-00), four conference crowns and a 167-73 record.

Maine coach Cindy Blodgett won two NCAA scoring titles while playing for McCallie in Orono.

"I liked that our team came out ready, in attack mode," Blodgett said. "There were some things that we can certainly build on, and I liked the way we fought."