Photo credit: Keenan Hairston

Maine put up a fight against one of the best teams in the country, but could not keep up in the second half as Duke secured a 94-55 victory. Ilker Er led the Black Bears with 20 points, all scored in the first half, and 5 rebounds. Luke Kennard carried the Blue Devils with 35 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block. Maine shot 30% on the game, while Duke connected on 60% of their field goals. Duke was dominant on the glass, winning the battle on the boards 49-22.

The Black Bears stuck with the Blue Devils in the first half as Er dropped 4 from behind the arc, but a Duke buzzer-beater to end the half extended the lead to 14. Duke's athleticism wore Maine down as the game went on, but the Black Bears demonstrated excellent ball control, only giving up 6 turnovers while generating 12.

Wes Myers scored 15 points and recorded 3 assists and 1 rebound. Andrew Fleming paced the Black Bears on the boards, pulling down 6 rebounds while scoring 4 points and recording 2 steals. Ryan Bernstein directed the Black Bear offense while recording 5 assists.

Maine returns home this Wednesday, December 7th to take on Holy Cross at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.