Duke women in control

12/7/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball

By: Duke Sports Information

By The Associated Press

DURHAM -- After being disappointed with her team's second-half performance a day earlier in the semifinals of the Duke Women's Classic, Duke coach Gail Goestenkors had nothing to complain about Sunday.

Freshman Alana Beard had 13 points, six assists and five steals as third-ranked Duke beat mistake-prone Toledo 71-41 to win the tournament for the ninth year in a row.

"It just shows we can play better in the second half," Goestenkors said. "Our defense was excellent. We put great pressure on the ball, and we caused them a lot of problems because they couldn't see the open player."

Duke (7-0) got out to an early lead Saturday against Duquesne, but played poorly in the second half and finished with 24 turnovers.

This time, there was no letdown.

Beard had four steals in the first 15 minutes - turning three into breakaway baskets.

Duke's Georgia Schweitzer had nine points, six assists and five steals, and was tournament MVP.