EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Freshman point guard Tyus Jones scored 21 points, Justise Winslow hit two key baskets late in the game and No. 2 Duke responded to a tongue lashing by Coach Mike Krzyzewski to beat defending national champion Connecticut 66-56 on Thursday.

Winslow and Jahlil Okafor – the other two members of the Blue Devils’ trio of talented freshmen – added 12 points apiece. Ahead 30-25 at the break, Duke (10-0) got off to a slow start in the second half and UConn (4-4) tied it.

Amile Jefferson added 11 points and 13 rebounds for Duke in a game that had the feel and intensity of a NCAA tournament contest.

Ryan Boatright had 22 points to lead the Huskies. Kentan Facey added 14 points and Daniel Hamilton had 10.

Duke has won all 10 of its games by at least 10 points, but this one was a lot closer being played in the Izod Center in the Meadowlands sports complex before a near sellout, pro-Huskies crowd.

The Blue Devils led by five at the half despite turning the ball over 12 times, but it was obvious Coach K was not happy. After Duke missed the opening shot of the second half and Connecticut got an easy basket, Krzyzewski called a timeout and screamed at his team.

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That didn’t turn the tide right away. UConn tied the game at 30 and had a chance to take the lead but Boatright missed the second of two free throws.

(6) VIRGINIA 70, CLEVELAND STATE 54: Justin Anderson scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half, helping the host Cavaliers shake off the rust of an 11-day layoff for exams.

Virginia (10-0) won their 16th straight at home and matched their best start since 2000-01.

FOOTBALL

OREGON: The third-ranked Ducks will be without star cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu when they face Jameis Winston and Florida State in their playoff game Jan. 1.

The first-team All-American was reportedly injured during a noncontact drill Tuesday.

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BOSTON COLLEGE: Coach Steve Addazio’s contract was extended by two years through 2020 after he led them to 14 wins in his first two seasons.

The Eagles (7-5) will face Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 27.

WEST VIRGINIA: Coach Dana Holgorsen said quarterback Clint Trickett has been cleared to play in the Dec. 29 Liberty Bowl after being sidelined with a concussion.

MEMPHIS: Coach Justin Fuente, who just led the Tigers to a share of their first conference title since 1971, agreed to an undislosed contract extension.


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