DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Jared McCain scored 14 of his season-high 21 points in the first half, and No. 22 Duke got rolling again following two losses and a week layoff, beating Charlotte 80-56 on Saturday.
McCain, a freshman guard, made three 3-pointers. Jeremy Roach added 18 points, reserve Jaylen Blakes had 15 points and Mark Mitchell scored 12 for the Blue Devils (6-3).
Duke had dropped road games to Arkansas and Georgia Tech since its last victory Nov. 24.
Lu’cye Patterson had 14 points and Nik Graves scored each of his 10 points in the second half, but Charlotte (5-4) suffered its most lopsided defeat under first-year coach Aaron Fearne.
The 49ers cut a 25-point hole to 55-44 before going more than eight minutes without a field goal, allowing the Blue Devils to rebuild a 20-point margin.
Duke played without starting point guard Tyrese Proctor, who suffered an ankle injury a week earlier at Georgia Tech.
Four Duke players hit 3s in the first nine minutes as the Blue Devils raced to a 22-11 lead.
Duke’s 45-27 halftime lead came with 57.5% shooting from the field. It was fifth time this season that Charlotte failed to reach the 30-point mark in the opening half.
TIP-INS
New Duke football coach Manny Diaz was introduced during a first-half timeout and he later sank a free throw for charity at halftime. … A fan fell ill courtside across from the Charlotte bench with more than five minutes left in the first half, causing a delay with Duke leading 36-17.
BIG PICTURE
Charlotte: The 49ers went through too many stretches without generating much offense, difficult to overcome in their first true road game of the season. Shooting 4 for 20 on 3-pointers didn’t help matters.
Duke: The Blue Devils showed signs of smooth play, particularly with a 15-2 first-half advantage in fast-break points. But there were frustrating moments, especially for preseason All-American Kyle Filipowski (five points on 2-for-10 shooting from the field with 13 rebounds).
UP NEXT
Charlotte: Saturday at Richmond
Duke: Tuesday at home vs. Hofstra
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AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
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