LAHAINA, Hawaii, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Top-ranked Duke brought Ball State back to reality Wednesday night, recording an 83-71 victory over the Cardinals to become the first team to win the Maui Invitational three times.
The Blue Devils (3-0), who survived a scare against Seton Hall in the first round, also captured this tournament in 1992 and 1997.
Ball State (2-1) reached the championship game with upsets of No. 3 Kansas and No. 4 UCLA, marking the first time the Cardinals defeated top-five opponents in consecutive games.
Ball State appeared ready to make a run at another upset, opening a 27-18 lead midway through the first half. But the defending national champions asserted themselves and surged to a 49-39 halftime advantage.
Duke broke it open early in the second half, stretching its lead to 22 points before the Cardinals made it respectable.
Jason Williams scored 22 points and Mike Dunleavy added 16 for the Blue Devils. Dunleavy won tournament MVP honors.
Patrick Williams contributed 21 points and Chris Williams 17 for Ball State.
