Nov. 17, 2009

Box Score

Durham, N.C. - The #9/#8 Duke Blue Devils jumped out to an early 17-4 lead and never looked back in handing Charlotte its first loss, 101-59, in the second round of the DICK'S Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off.

Charlotte struggled out of the gate, committing seven turnovers in the opening four minutes as Duke quickly built a double-digit lead. After settling in and keeping a similar margin, the 49ers gave up a a 12-2 run that pushed Duke's lead to 22 with 8:49 left in the first half. The lead would reach 33, 57-24, before the half closed at 57-27.

Charlotte was only able to shoot 36% from the field and had 12 turnovers in the opening frame while Duke hit 51% of its shots, including 54% from long range.

In the second half the lead grew as high as 47.

Shamari Spears lef the 49ers with 20 points but was the only 49er in double figures. Freshman Chris Braswell scored six points and pulled nine rebounds. Nolan Smith led Duke with 24 points while Jon Scheyer added 20.

Duke outrebounded the 49ers 46-34 and forced 17 Charlotte turnovers. The 49ers, who saw 12 different players score, had only Spears score more than six points. Charlotte shot 34% for the game and 24% from three-point range.

Charlotte will compete in the NIT Season Tip-Off third and fourth rounds, Nov. 23-24, against an opponent and at a site to be announced Wednesday.