Mike Krzyzewski knows his Duke team is talented but also inexperienced. That might provide some reason for concern with a seasoned Michigan team up next for his squad in Hawaii.
The sixth-ranked Blue Devils again put their unbeaten record in the Maui Invitational on the line when they face the No. 15 Wolverines in the semifinals Tuesday.
Duke (5-0) improved to 13-0 at the Maui Invitational with a 77-67 win over Tennessee on Monday. The Blue Devils' four titles - 1992, 1997, 2001 and 2007 - are the most in tournament history.
Michigan (4-0) won Maui championships in 1985 and 1988, and has the potential to add a third title behind a talented team that beat eighth-ranked Memphis 73-61 in Monday's first round. The Wolverines also have a chance at some payback after the Blue Devils beat them 73-71 in the second round of the NCAA tournament last season.
Though Duke never trailed in that contest, Michigan rallied from 15 points down to get within one twice in the final 90 seconds. Former Wolverines guard Darius Morris missed a runner in the lane with two seconds left as Michigan fell for the eighth time in nine games against Duke.
Morris is the only returning starter gone from Michigan's 21-14 team of 2010-11.
"You're in the Maui Invitational. You don't need any extra motivation going into a game here," Michigan senior guard Zack Novak said.
Even with talented freshman guard Austin Rivers joining four juniors in Duke's starting lineup, Krzyzewski is not about to guarantee a fifth Maui title with three starters gone from last year's 32-5 squad.
The Blue Devils have passed stiff tests against upset-minded schools in Belmont and Davidson, and held off a pesky Michigan State team already this season. Michigan, however, will be the first ranked opponent they will face.
"It will be difficult for us," Krzyzewski said. "(Michigan coach) John (Beilein) does a great job. He's got a veteran team."
Rivers scored 18 points while backcourt mate Seth Curry and forward Ryan Kelly each added 17 as the Blue Devils shot 48.1 percent against the Volunteers. Kelly had 11 points off the bench against Michigan in the NCAA tournament.
Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 15 points and Evan Smotrycz added 13 off the bench for the Wolverines in that meeting. Hardaway had 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists as the Wolverines went 27 of 50 from the field and held Memphis to 33.3 percent shooting Monday.
"We're really pleased we could come away with a win," Beilein said.
Novak is posting just 6.5 points per game but averaged 13.0 in his last two versus Duke.
Rivers, the nation's top recruit, has averaged 14.2 points through his first five collegiate games.
"This is our fifth game in about 10 days and he's learned a lot. He came through," Krzyzewski said. "He's not afraid. He's going to be a terrific player for us."
Duke forward Mason Plumlee had 13 rebounds for the second straight game Monday. He's averaging 11.4 points and 10.6 boards.
