WASHINGTON - Like most scorers, J.J. Redick didn't worry after one bad game. He knew he was only one jumper away from a streak, so he waited patiently for it to come.
And did it ever.
The Duke guard carried his team to its eighth consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament final with a spectacular individual effort, making seven 3-pointers and scoring 35 points to lead the fifth-ranked Blue Devils past North Carolina State, 76-69 on Saturday.
A day earlier, Redick missed 11 of his first 12 shots and finished 4-for-17 against Virginia, but his teammates picked up the slack. Their efforts certainly were appreciated in this one, even if Redick needed little help.
He surpassed Ronnie Mayer's previous school record of 34 points for an ACC Tournament game, set in the 1955 semifinals.
"J.J.'s performance was one of the best ever," Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski said.
Redick made the most of a quick reminder from his coach to score at least 30 points for the fourth time this season.
"Coach just talked to me about thinking of whoever is guarding me," Redick said. "To set my shot up before I ever took it. I did that."
Shelden Williams added 15 points and Daniel Ewing had 14 for the third-seeded Blue Devils, who held on despite missing six free throws in a row down the stretch.
The Wolfpack (19-13) couldn't take advantage. Ilian Evtimov and Engin Atsur each missed 3s in the final minute that would have cut the deficit to three, and N.C. State was left hoping its spirited effort during the first two days was enough to secure an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
