Durham, N.C. -- Facing it's second top-15 ranked opponent in two days, the University of Maine women's basketball team dropped a 69-39 decision at No. 14/15 Duke on Tuesday evening.

For the 11th consecutive game, Blanca Millan finished in double-figures as she tallied 16 points. Tanesha Sutton added nine points, seven rebounds and five steals while Fanny Wadling chipped in six points and a career-best 13 rebounds.

Duke's Lexie Brown led all scorers with 26 points on 11-of-12 shooting. The win improves the Blue Devils to 9-2 while UMaine drops to 6-6.

The Black Bears, who had a difficult shooting night, were able to win the turnover battle. Maine forced 19 turnovers while only giving it away 12 times. The Black Bears forced 12 steals, marking the fifth time this season in which they've swiped 10 or more steals in a single game.

Duke held Maine scoreless over the opening 5:20 as it raced out to a 14-0 advantage.

The Black Bear settled in and were able to end the opening quarter on a 10-6 run as Dor Saar's triple cut the lead to 10.

However, Maine was unable to cut the advantage under double-figures. Duke would extend its lead out to 20 late in the first half before cruising to a 69-39 victory.

The Black Bears are back in action on Thursday, Dec. 28 when they close out non-conference action at Boston College.

-UMaine-