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DURHAM – Freshman Trevor Keels scored a game-high 19 points while classmate Paolo Banchero and junior Wendell Moore Jr., chipped in 12 each as No. 2 Duke closed out its non-conference schedule with an 87-56 win over Elon on Saturday at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Thirteen players recorded at least a point for the Blue Devils (10-1), who finished 49.2 percent from the field to collect their third win in five days. Duke forced Elon (3-9) into 23 turnovers while allowing just 22 made field goals for the Phoenix.
Duke shot out to a 21-7 lead less than seven minutes into the first half with Keels starting 3-of-3 from the floor for six early points. The freshman finished the half with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting to help the Blue Devils take a 44-26 advantage into the break.
An 11-0 Duke run in the early stages of the second half made it a 29-point lead, and with the game firmly in hand the Blue Devils never let it dip below 20. Banchero brought down nine rebounds on the afternoon, while Moore dished out a game-high five assists with no turnovers. Sophomore Jeremy Roach went 4-of-7, including 3-of-4 from three-point range, for 11 points, three boards and three assists.
AJ Griffin added five points, five rebounds and two assists in 20 minutes. Jerald Gillens-Butler led Elon with 14 points, while Zac Ervin had 11 points and a team-high six boards.
Duke opens ACC play against Virginia Tech on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at Cameron. The game tips at 9 p.m. on ESPN2.
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