Another checked item on his list

Duke Survives, barely
By John Chagaris, College AP
February 8, 2006


CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Hamden, CT) -- People said it couldn't be done there as the Tar Heels feathered him each time at home. Fans were convinced that he could not do it in their house, as he couldn't the last three years. And he only shoots 37 percent against us, so UNC should not be worried right? Wrong.

J.J. Redick last night ended his UNC jinx and helped propel Duke to an 87-83 victory, a game that never should have been that close. Up 40-35 at halftime, Duke came out to start the second half on fire, going on a 12-0 run. How did coach Roy Williams respond, well yank all five guys and put a guy who normaly does not play in Mike Copeland, joining him was Quentin Thomas, Marcus Ginyard, Danny Green and Byron Sanders. Thomas came into the game and was a house of fire, driving down the court and then down the lane to score to give UNC their first points of the half. A few more baskets later and Williams sends his starters back in and a 12-0 UNC run is established.

"They came back and when we lost the lead, I think we showed the spirit that I've sensed in this team throughout the year," Coach K commented, "we just have a good spirit that we're going to win. We kept our poise and hit some big shots."

One Duke player was quoted as saying, "We knew they were going to make a comeback, I don't even think we let up." One would think a team let up when they were leading at a time by 17 and allow the other team to come back.

But then, entering stage left, is the man who never plays well at The Dean Smith Center, the man who is named J.J. Redick. J.J. went on a scoring spree in the second half, scoring 22 points. In the game he set a new career record for steels in a game with four, and he went coast to coach for three uncontested layups off of the steals.

"It's very satisfying to win the ballgame," JJ said, "I guess I'm leaving here 2-2 at the Dean Dome, which is not bad. To go out with a win as a senior, it feels good."

And it should feel good, that finally the curse of UNC is off of your back, five three pointers, 12 for 22 shooting on the night. Duke now improves to 10-0 in the ACC, 22-1 over all. Duke moves on to Maryland to take on the Terrapins on Saturday.