Durham, N.C. - The Duke Blue Devils took command of the current ACC  standings by defeating arch rival North Carolina 79-51 and in the process pushed their record to 7-1 in the conference and 19-4 overall.

The Blue Devils jumped on the Tar Heels early on taking a 10-0 lead which translated into a 42-33 advantage at the half.  In fact, UNC never threatened Duke past a run where they cut the lead to 7 points.

The 28 point victory was the largest over UNC since the 2003 season.

UNC, who was picked in the pre season to win the conference was never really in the contest and they seemed disjointed as the Blue Devils scored inside and out.

At one point the UNC coach held here arms in the air as the Crazies came to their feet after Duke forced another turnover.  Quite simply, Duke was the aggressor

Duke seemed inspired for this game getting solid performances from several players.

The win was a  special one for Coach P's program in that they payed  UNC back for their season sweep a year ago.  The Blue Devils never let up and had their way in the paint for most of the game.

Duke put six players in double figure scoring led by Bridgette Mitchell and Kenturah Jackson with 12 each and Krystal Thomas with 11.  Jasmine Thomas and Shay Selby added 10 each and freshman Allison Vernerey got her first career start and put up impressive numbers of 10 points and 6 rebounds.

The Blue Devils second half run was one which will be remembered for they outscored the Tar Heels by 37-18 margin and outrebounded their opponent by a whopping 35-12 margin.

Duke held an edge in points off turnovers with a 25-11 margin aided by 25 Tar Heel turnovers.  They also outscored UNC in the paint by a 40-24 score.

Duke next takes on te N,C. State Wolfpack in Cameron Indoor Stadium at 7:00 Thursday evening.

For some extended coverage on the game, may I suggest going to my friends Rob Clough's site - DW Hoops

Game Notes - This was Duke's 13th consecutive ACC win at home.  Selby's two three pointers tied her career high.  Vernerey registered her 8th double double.  Hatchell took a shot at officiating saying that her team would have to practice with the football team to play in a game as physical as tonight's.  She also said she didn't know what was going on in Chapel Hill saying it was "a plague or something."  UNC dropped to 4-4 and 16-6 on the season.