COLLEGE PARK, Md. - In his final trip to the Comcast Center, J.J. Redick had the last laugh.
The senior scored 35 points and walked away a victor, while many of the 17,950 people in attendance left the game in awe of the player they have loved to hate for the past four years.
"That was more a relieved smile that I pulled out the victory," Redick said jokingly. "That was just funny for me. The game is over, and they're still freaking out, getting ready to throw water bottles and stuff."
In the past, Maryland fans have been particularly harsh to Redick. Two seasons ago, the Comcast Center crowd could be heard on television chanting "F- you, J.J." as the then-sophomore poured in 26 points in a Duke victory.
The profane chants prompted Maryland head coach Gary Williams to speak with fans about appropriate crowd behavior, and the University outlawed shirts that included the expletive.
But during Saturday's game, fans were more tame with their jeering. Since the Blue Devils jumped out to an early lead and maintained their advantage for the rest of the game, the fans never had an opportunity to let loose.
"It wasn't a profane chant I guess, but other than that it was the same old thing for a road game," Redick said. "They said a lot of things, but I've heard everything. I'm 21 years old now. I'm a senior. That stuff doesn't even register."
Still, hatred for the nation's leading scorer could be seen on posters throughout the arena and his name earned the loudest boos during player introductions.
It was the second game in a row that Redick had scored 35 in his final game at a particular arena. He lit up the Tar Heels Feb. 7 at the Dean Dome, breaking a string of sub-par performances against Duke's archrival.
Although Redick has fared better against the Terrapins, his performance Saturday was his best, and he improved his record to 5-4 against the ACC foe. The Duke senior class now holds a winning record against every conference opponent over the past four years.
After the game, Redick stood next to his locker and could not help but smile any time he was asked about the Maryland fans.
Maybe he was just relieved to get the win and improve Duke's ACC record to 11-0, but it seemed like he was savoring Saturday's win more than most.
"I just wanted to take everything in," Redick said. "Obviously, I'm not going to be back here. I just wanted to hear the last few things that Maryland fans had to say."
Redick's performance Saturday, however, ultimately left many Terrapin fans speechless.
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