WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Chris Paul scored 23 points and Wake Forest withstood a flurry of late 3-pointers to hang on for a 92-89 victory over Duke last night.

The seventh-ranked Demon Deacons (18-3, 6-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) led by as many as 14 in the second half and appeared headed to an easy victory.

But J.J. Redick made a trio of 3-pointers in the final 2:14 and Sean Dockery also hit one as no. 4 Duke cut it to 90-89 with 3 seconds to play.

The Blue Devils (16-2, 6-2) had to foul and sent Taron Downey to the line with 2 seconds left. He made both shots to make it 92-89, and Redick’s off-balance 3 fell short at the buzzer – denying Duke a much-needed quality win.

Eric Williams, the ACC player of the week, finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds for Wake Forest. Justin Gray had 16 points and Vytas Danelius had 12.

Redick finished with 33 points and made five 3s in 13 attempts. Shelden Williams had 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Lee Melchionni scored 13.

Duke came into the game with a bet ter record and a higher ranking. But aside from wins over Oklahoma and at North Carolina State, the Blue Devils have yet to fully prove themselves this season.

A win at Wake Forest would have been a step in the right direction.

Instead, the Demon Deacons used tough defense and strong outside shooting to move to 11-0 at home. Wake Forest forced 13 turnovers – eight were steals – had five blocks and outrebounded Duke 44-37.

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IOWA’S PIERCE IS KICKED OFF TEAM

Iowa star Pierre Pierce was kicked off the team yesterday while under investigation by West Des Moines police for intent to commit sexual abuse, burglary, and other crimes at the home of a former girlfriend.

The 21-year-old Pierce met for more than two hours last night with investigators who are considering whether to file criminal charges against the junior guard.

Pierce’s dismissal leaves a big scoring gap on a team that was ranked in the Top 25 as recently as last week.