Nov. 30, 1999

By RICK GANO
AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO - Duke couldn't call on Elton Brand, even though he was seated close to their bench Tuesday night. So, the 17th-ranked Blue Devils turned to Chris Carrawell to beat Illinois in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

Carrawell scored 21 points, including two free throws with 14 seconds left, as Duke won its fourth straight after two losses opening the season, beating No. 16 Illinois 72-69 before a raucous crowd at the United Center.

After Carawell's two free throws put the Blue Devils (4-2) ahead by three, Illinois' Frank Williams missed a 3-pointer, Duke's Jason Williams rebounded and was able to dribble out the clock.

Jason Williams added 17 points and Shane Battier had 12 points and 10 rebounds for Duke. Cory Bradford and Frank Williams scored 14 points each for Illinois (2-1).

Brand, the Chicago Bulls' No. 1 pick in the NBA draft after leaving Duke early, showed little emotion as he watched his former team pull out the victory after trailing by five at the half.

Carrawell, Duke's lone senior, made two free throws to put the Blue Devils ahead 70-66 before Bradford hit two for the Illini to make it a two-point game with 1:37 remaining.

A charging foul on Jason Williams gave the Illini the ball with 55 seconds left. Robert Archibald made one of two at the line, leaving the Illini a point behind with 41 seconds left.

Carrawell's game-tying three-point play started a quick 10-0 Blue Devil run and put Duke up 57-50 with 9:18 to go. The key play was a 3-pointer by Mike Dunleavy, who hit the shot after a free throw bounced long right into his hands.

Frank Williams hit two straight 3-pointers to get the Illini within 68-63 with 3:34 left before Archibald's tip with 2:39 left brought Illinois within two with 2:39 left.

With one of the loudest crowds at the United Center since Michael Jordan was still playing for the Bulls, the Illini rebounded from a slow start to take a 40-35 halftime lead.

Cleotis Brown hit a pair of 3-pointers and made a bank shot as the Illini closed the half with 13-2 run that featured 11 straight points.

The Blue Devils came out quickly, jumping out 19-9 behind three baskets by freshman Dunleavy.