DURHAM, N.C. ? Mike Krzyzewski avoids any contact with the outside world before a game, a long-standing ritual that allows him to prepare mentally for the task ahead.

He made a rare exception Sunday, making a phone call to the man who hired him at Duke, former athletic director Tom Butters.

“I did talk to Tom,” Krzyzewski said, “to say thanks.”

Later, on a court that bears his name, Coach K became the sixth active coach to reach 700 victories, watching as Shelden Williams finished with 18 points and 15 rebounds to help the ninth-ranked Blue Devils beat Toledo, 82-54.

A rough first three seasons at the school left Krzyzewski with a 38-47 record, but Butters stuck with him. That support has continued throughout his 25 years at Duke, even during two brief musings about leaving for the NBA.

“I wonder, ‘How lucky was I?”‘ Krzyzewski said. “At 38-47, somebody’s got to be there for you. Duke’s always been there for me, and I’ll always be there for Duke.”

J.J. Redick scored 14 points, and Daniel Ewing added 13 for Duke (6-0), which hadn’t played in eight days, an exam-induced layoff that led to some expected rustiness in the first half.

No. 8 North Carolina 109, Loyola of Chicago 60

Chapel Hill, N.C. — Jawad Williams scored 17 points and was one of six North Carolina players in double figures. Rashad McCants and Marvin Williams each added 16 points for the Tar Heels (7-1), who shot 58 percent from the field in their seventh straight game. Blake Schilb scored 15 points to lead the Ramblers (2-6).

No. 16 Washington 100, Loyola Marymount 93

Los Angeles — Nate Robinson had 28 points, and Tre Simmons added a career-high 26 for the Huskies (7-1), who are off to their best start in seven seasons. Dustin Brown and Brandon Worthy each had 18 points for Loyola Marymount (5-2).

No. 23 Maryland 96,

UNC-Asheville 72

College Park, Md. — John Gilchrist scored 20 of his 22 points in the second half, and the Terrapins (5-2) were perfect from the free-throw line for just the second time in school history. Bryan McCullough had 16 points for UNC-Asheville (1-5).