FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Freshman Autumn Fleary scored 14 points, Toby Fournier had 10 in her first game of the season and No. 4 Duke traveled to beat Florida Atlantic 78-56 on Sunday in a last-minute game scheduled about 48 hours prior to the tip.
Duke was originally scheduled to play North Texas on Sunday in San Antonio, the hometown of Arianna Roberson and Bella Flemings, in the Foundry Classic. But the game was cancelled "Due to circumstances beyond the control of the participating institutions," according to a Duke statement.
Coaches in multiple leagues were notified Duke was in need of a replacement game and willing to travel. FAU agreed despite having just played Kennesaw State at home on Saturday, resulting in a 68-28 victory for the Owls.
Duke wasted little time in taking control against FAU, outscoring the Owls 17-4 over the opening seven minutes. The Blue Devils also closed the first half on a 10-2 run to build a 37-23 lead.
Duke led by double figures the entire second half. The Blue Devils began the fourth quarter on 11-3 run to build a 23-point lead at 67-44.
Aaliyah Crump added 13 points and Flemings finished with 11 points for Duke (2-0), which beat Green Bay 76-60 in an opener. The Blue Devils returned three starters and nine players from last year’s ACC championship team.
Erin Rodgers scored 11 points and Jaelynn Housey added 10 for FAU (1-2).
It was the first time FAU has hosted a top-five team in program history — with the previous highest-ranked opponent being No. 11 Texas on Nov. 30, 2008.
Up next
Duke: Plays at Norfolk State on Thursday.
FAU: Hosts South Alabama on Wednesday.
