Jan. 26, 2005
DURHAM, N.C. -- Entering play on Wednesday night, there were three unbeatens left in Division I men's basketball -- Illinois, Boston College and Duke.

And then there were two, baby!

Mike Krzyzewski did a magnificent job getting his team to come into this game with an unblemished record.

In Maryland's wake, Duke's Cameron Crazies were left in stunned silence. On the road, Maryland (12-5, 3-3 ACC) played an inspired brand of basketball right from the start, showing a vigor and intensity that coach Gary Williams desired in a 75-66 victory over second-ranked Duke (15-1, 5-1 ACC). Maryland's defense was stifling as the Blue Devils were held to 33 percent shooting, their lowest field-goal percentage of the season.

You have to credit Williams for motivating his team and preparing his kids to play on the road. After being embarrassed and humiliated at home, down 26 at halftime to NC State, this was clearly a different Terps team Wednesday night.

There were positive contributions off the bench from Ekene Ibekwe (15 points and nine rebounds in 22 minutes) and Travis Garrison (nine points, five rebounds). Neither started as Williams shook up his lineup, opting to go with Will Bowers and Mike Jones among his first five.

The star of stars was Nik Caner-Medley, who has enjoyed a hot hand lately. He was sensational, scoring on the inside, shooting the trifecta and converting on a number of jumpers. The junior from Maine scored 25 big points on 8-of-13 shooting.

Maryland also did a nice job containing the trio of Shelden Williams (6-of-15 shooting), J.J. Redick (7-of-21) and Daniel Ewing (3-of-12). The three, who accounted for 66 percent of Duke's offense coming into the game, had a tough time getting open looks.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski did a magnificent job getting his team to come into this game with an unblemished record. Now Duke and ACC rivals North Carolina and Wake Forest all have one loss in league play.

The Blue Devils will have to recover quickly, since Virginia Tech provides the next test Sunday. A trip to Wake Forest to face Chris Paul & Co. follows (Wednesday, ESPN, 9 p.m. ET).

Gary Williams is one happy camper after leaving Cameron Indoor Stadium with a big-time W, baby!

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question to Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.