Redick Off the Mark, but Duke Prevails

Failing to make a three-point basket hardly bothered Duke guard J.J. Redick.

Two missed free throws? That’s another matter.

“That’s something in the fall, I’ve missed a couple too,” the NCAA’s leader in career free-throw percentage said. “I’m going to have to put in some extra work.”

The rest of his game sure looked good.

Redick scored 19 points and Shelden Williams had 17 to help the top-ranked Blue Devils hold off pesky Boston University, 64-47, Monday night in the first round of the NIT Season Tip-Off at Durham, N.C.

The Terriers took an early lead and held it for nearly 12 minutes with a patient offense. Duke averaged 112.5 points in two exhibition games but struggled throughout in the opener for both teams.

Still, Coach Mike Krzyzewski improved to 24-2 in openers since he arrived in Durham, and the Blue Devils advanced to the second round to meet Seton Hall, which beat Manhattan, 66-52.

Duke opened a 40-26 lead at the break before Boston University rallied to get within nine early in the second half.

But the Blue Devils slowly pulled away. A three-pointer by Sean Dockery made it 60-45 in the final five minutes and they held on from there.

Ben Colbyn led the Terriers with nine points.

No. 20 Iowa 86, Maryland Eastern Shore 41 -- Jeff Horner and Greg Brunner each scored 16 points, and the Hawkeyes shot 51% and never trailed against the Hawks in the first round of the Guardians Classic at Iowa City.

The Hawks were led by junior college transfer Antonio McMillion, who had 14 points.

WOMEN

No. 9 Connecticut 86, Indiana State 43 -- Ann Strother scored 19 points and Charde Houston added 18 as the Huskies (2-0) cruised to the semifinals of the Women’s NIT with a victory over the Sycamores (1-1) at Storrs, Conn.