COL BKB: Duke 76, St. John's 69

NEW YORK, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Gerald Henderson scored 19 points Thursday and No. 9 Duke overcame late free throw problems to fight off St. John's 76-69.

Duke ended a two-game skid with the non-conference victory and improved to 21-5. The Blue Devils return to Atlantic Coast Conference action Sunday against Wake Forest.

Kyle Singler added 15 points and seldom-used Elliot Williams delivered 11 off the bench.

Duke led by as many as 16 points in the second half, but the Red Storm closed within five in the late going. The Blue Devils missed 5-of-10 foul shots over the final 50 seconds, but held on to defeat St. John's for the 13th time in 18 meetings.

St. John's (12-14) was led by D.J. Kennedy with 20 points. It was the Red Storm's fifth straight loss.