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Smith Helps Duke Top Michigan In MSG Title Game

POSTED: 12:03 am EST November 22, 2008

(Sports Network) - Nolan Smith scored 16 points and Kyle Singler added 15 points and eight rebounds as 10th-ranked Duke topped Michigan, 71-56, in the title game of the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.

Gerald Henderson chipped in 12 points for the Blue Devils (5-0), who overcame 4-of-19 three-point shooting. Singler, who shot 5-of-8 from the field, was named MVP of the tournament.

"Kyle is one of the best players in the country and knows how to play defense," said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. "With his length, throughout his career when he is a pro player, he will be playing out in the perimeter all of the time. We like to use our guys in that manner."

Manny Harris had 25 points to pace the Wolverines (3-1), who were coming off a shocking 55-52 win over fourth-ranked UCLA in the semifinals on Thursday. DeShawn Sims scored 10 for Michigan, which shot 35.2 percent from the field.

This was actually the first of two meetings in as many weeks between the schools. Michigan hosts the Blue Devils on December 6.

"You like it when you have a home game all of the time, it is better than playing at Cameron (Indoor Stadium) I think," said Michigan coach John Beilein. "I don't know if it results in a win. Both teams will try to get better in the next two weeks."

Duke blistered Southern Illinois, 83-58, on Thursday, and got out to a quick lead a night later at Madison Square Garden. Brian Zoubek's bucket extended the lead to 9-2.

Michigan went on a run a short time later, but the Blue Devils scored eight in a row to expand the lead to 25-15. The advantage stood at 39-31 at the half.

Henderson's jam and made free throw moved the margin to 44-31 two minutes into the second half, and the Wolverines failed in their bid to play catch-up.

David McClure's dunk widened the margin to 55-39 with 13 minutes remaining, and Michigan never got the deficit under double digits the rest of the way.

"Preparation with this team is huge," said Singler. "Coach is the best at putting together a game plan and it's on us to do what he has in that game plan. We have total confidence and we just put that game plan to use on the court."

Game Notes

Duke shot 48 percent from the field...Harris went 11-of-12 from the foul line...Jon Scheyer shot 1-of-7 from the field for eight points for Duke...The Blue Devils had 17 turnovers to 12 for Michigan...The Blue Devils are 51-9 all-time in major in-season tournaments...Duke is 108-16 all-time in the month of November, including a 94-10 mark under Krzyzewski...Duke is 19-7 all-time against Michigan.


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