STEPPING UP BIG

A look at the final score would suggest that No. 7 Duke exploded in typical fashion on offense with a barrage of 3-pointers and fast-break dunks off turnovers in its 95-72 win over Duquesne Friday in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

To a certain extent, it did. Thirty of the Blue Devils' points came from long range and an additional 17 came on breakaways.

But the real reasons for the non-conference win were the ones preached just as much by head coach Mike Krzyzewski, but often forgotten-if not flat-out ignored-on the highlight reels.

Tough, unyielding man-to-man defense.

Aggressive drives to the basket to draw fouls.

And, most importantly, hustle plays-a few of which may earn a spot on ESPN, but most of which don't even make the local news.

Juniors Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek put on a show doing just those things, as the two post players shot a combined 11-of-13 from the field and scored 28 points, including a career-high 21 from Thomas.

They both also played strong defensive games, with Thomas recording a block and a steal and Zoubek getting two apiece-and there's no telling how many other turnovers were created by the juniors' active hands.

"They went after us instead of the ball with a ferociousness we've never seen before," Duquesne head coach Ron Everhart said.

Thomas also closed the half in emphatic style, slamming the ball home with seven seconds left to give the Blue Devils a 52-32 advantage at the break.

There was no let-up in the second period, either, as Thomas had a four-point play on a layup and two free throws after an intentional foul midway through the period. Zoubek also came alive in the second, and his performance was highlighted by a steal at halfcourt that led to the 7-foot-1 center running the fast break alone. He delighted and amused his teammates and coaches by converting the opportunity with a finger-roll layup-but didn't score any style points.

"That was the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life," Henderson said. "You don't see Zoubs all the way out there contesting a whole lot, but then he got the steal and he finished it with the butter roll, and that was nice. I've never seen that from Zoubs."

Even more pleasing to the coaching staff, however, would be more consistent inside play.

At times last year, Kyle Singler was forced to play center because Duke lacked a legitimate post presence. Although the sophomore handled the position adequately, he often found himself bloodied and bruised from the pounding he took inside, which might have contributed to his drop in productivity at the end of the season. In addition, it took Singler off the perimeter, where he causes mismatch problems for defenders.

But if Thomas and Zoubek are able to stay on the court, play hard-nosed defense and score on putbacks and hustle plays, it would free up Singler to roam the court-and, in turn, would make the already-thriving Duke offense even more prolific.

"Kyle can do it, but Kyle's good at so many other things that if Zoubek and I do what we're supposed to do, Kyle can do those other things," Thomas said. "To have our inside presence actually put good games together back to back is important."

Watch closely though, because those good games won't be replayed on the news and might not even translate well onto the stat sheet.

Instead, they'll be done in Krzyzewski's style-with a helping of gritty man defense and a side of extra effort on offense.