Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 14, 1992 TAG: 9203140076
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL BRILL SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTE, N.C. LENGTH: Medium
Duke never could shake off stubborn Maryland on Friday in the opening round of the ACC basketball tournament, outlasting the Terrapins 94-87 to advance to a semifinal today against Georgia Tech.
"We tried to play like we did when we were healthy," Krzyzewski said after his No. 1-ranked team's 26th win in 28 starts. "We tried to run a little more and we looked a little rusty, but overall, that's what we wanted to do and I'm glad."
Despite its lowest shooting percentage of the year (43.2 percent) and 13 missed free throws, Duke led the entire second half. But the Terps wouldn't go away, and when Walt Williams made a 3-point field goal with 2:48 left, Maryland (14-15) trailed 85-81.
Duke did what it needed to do down the stretch, however, using the experience of seniors Christian Laettner and Brian Davis.
Davis made a layup after Laettner set a solid screen, then a rebound basket by Laettner gave Duke the working margin it needed at 89-81 with 1:18 to play.
Laettner finished with 33 points, including three 3-pointers, a season-high 16 rebounds, three assists and five steals.
"Just another average working day," Duke assistant Tommy Amaker said.
All that impressed Gary Williams, the fiercely competitive Maryland coach.
"Laettner is as good as anybody who ever played in the conference," Williams said. "Game after game, he gives them what they need. They're a great team, and he lifts them another level."
Despite some good moments, Duke still didn't look anything like the team that dominated nationally in January, or until Bobby Hurley, then Grant Hill, got hurt.
"We haven't played together for five or six weeks," Krzyzewski said. "In two weeks, we might get back to the level we were in January."
Hurley, his broken foot healed, finished with 16 points and 13 assists. He blamed himself for not having a lot more.
"I was glad we got a lot of transition opportunities," Hurley said. "The next thing to get to is converting them. I've got to get used to who to throw the ball to. I made some bad decisions."
Gary Williams viewed this as a start of good things to come for the Terps, whose NCAA probation ended with this game.
"We're in position now where we can go," the coach said. "The first three years, we had to put out some fires. Now, we can play basketball."
The Terps certainly did that against Duke. Burly junior Evers Burns made his first nine shots and finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
Walt Williams also finished with 25 points, just below his average. His fine career ended with an air ball, one of three he threw up while shooting 9-of-29.
"You don't stop Walt Williams; you just have to make him work," Krzyzewski said. Davis did that and added 17 points himself, eight at in the closing minutes.
"We played as hard as we could," Walt Williams said. "Duke's a great team, and we've pushed them to the end twice. You want to win, but you have to be satisfied when you give it your all.
"I'm glad I came back" for his senior year. "I helped Maryland and I think I helped myself." \
see microfilm for box score
by CNB