NEW YORK — For the first time this season, no Golden Bear player scored in double figures as the top-ranked Blue Devils were too much for Cal men's basketball to handle. No. 1 Duke topped Cal, 87-52, Thursday night in the semifinal of the 2K Empire Classic benefitting Wounded Warrior Project at Madison Square Garden to hand the Bears their first loss of the season.

Kareem South and D.J. Thorpe led the Bears with 8 points apiece, and Andre Kelly pulled down a team-high 5 rebounds, but Cal recorded its lowest rebound total all season with just 28 boards.

Vernon Carey led Duke with 31 points and 12 rebounds. Carey scored 21 points in the first half. Jack White and Tre Jones hit consecutive 3s in the first half to help stretch a nine-point lead to 19 at halftime, and the Blue Devils never looked back. 

Cal and Duke played an even game to start, with both teams trading baskets to a 13-11 score before the Blue Devils began pulling away with 9 minutes remaining in the first half. By the end of the first half, Duke led, 40-21. 

Cal shot 37 percent (19-52) from the floor.

Cal faces Texas in the consolation game of the Empire Classic Friday at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET on ESPNU.