Streaking Blue Devils Look for 12th Straight Win

Dec 28, 2002

Duke hopes to match its best start since 1989 when it plays Iowa State in the South Padre Island Shootout.

The top-ranked Blue Devils (11-0) have won 11 straight games to start the season and are one win shy of matching the best start in school history. Duke went 12-0 to begin the 1989 season.

Alana Beard had 27 points and eight rebounds to help the Blue Devils extend their winning streak with a 92-52 victory on Friday over Detroit in the opening round. Beard was 9-of-10 from the field and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line for Duke.

Duke's swarming defense controlled the game as the Blue Devils forced 30 turnovers. Duke had 19 steals, led by four each from Iciss Tillis and Vicki Krapohl.

Tillis strong defensive game made up for a poor offensive night. Tillis, who averages 14.4 points per game, was held to seven points on 2-of-9 shooting.

Beard leads the Blue Devils with 23.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 4.5 steals per game. Both Beard and Tillis have combined to shoot 39.3 percent (24-for-61) from beyond the 3-point arc. They'll have to take advantage of their open looks on Sunday against the Cyclones zone defenses.

"We know we will see a lot of zone so we will have to do a good job executing in the quarter court," said Duke head coach Gail Goestenkors.

Iowa State (3-4) has also shot well from the outside, making 31.9 percent (51-for-160) of its 3-point attempts.

"All five of Iowa State's starters shoot the three pretty well," Goestenkors said.

The Cyclones got 22 points from Lindsey Wilson, but fell just short in a 64-63 loss at Washington on Dec. 22. Wilson is scoring a team-high 15.3 points per game.

Iowa State is winless in three road games this season.