The Blue Devils went on an 11-3 run to take a 15-9 lead on a Nelson 3 from the left wing.

After Virginia battled back to within 15-14 on a Singletary 3, the Blue Devils scored nine of the next 11 points to take a 24-16 lead.

The advantage grew to 34-21 on a David McClure tip-in. It was the Cavaliers largest home deficit since they trailed Arizona by 19 points before rallying for a 93-90 victory in the first-ever men's game in the new arena.

The Cavaliers were able to hang around late in the first half. Mamadi Diane drained a 3 to cut the deficit to 34-26 and Singletary and Laurynas Mikalauskas combined to make three-of-four free throws in the final minute to keep Virginia within striking distance.

Virginia was able to draw closer early in the second half.

Diane drilled a deep jumper from the left corner to open the half. A short Reynolds turn-around jumper pulled the Cavaliers within three points at 38-35, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

After Duke went back ahed 43-37 on a tip-in from freshman Gerald Henderson, the Cavaliers rallied again.

This time, it was five straight points from Reynolds, including a 3 from the right wing off a pass from freshman Solomon Tat that pulled Virginia within one point, 43-42.

But one key stretch put the Cavaliers back in a five-point hole.

When they had a chance to take their first lead since 6-4, freshman Will Harris missed a short jumper and senior Jason Cain blew a point blank put-back. McRoberts then scored four straight points in the paint to give Duke a 47-42 lead, prompting Cavaliers coach Dave Leitao to take a 30-second timeout with 9:26 remaining.

Taft Coghill Jr.: 540/374-
Email: 5526tcoghill@freelancestar.com