RALEIGH – Andre Barrett left the court for good with 1:52 remaining in a lost-cause of a game and moments later, received a few heartfelt words from Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. They hugged and Barrett put his head on Krzyzewski’s shoulder.

The end of a career is never easy and this was especially difficult for Barrett, the outstanding point guard from The Bronx who finally, in his senior year, lifted Seton Hall into the NCAA Tournament. Once there, Barrett was sensational in leading the Pirates to an upset victory over Arizona but yesterday, the end of the road came with a thud.

Barrett went out quietly. He was never a factor in Duke’s 90-62 thrashing of Seton Hall at the RBC Center, going scoreless in the first half and managing a mere eight points to finish with 1,861 for his four-year career.

“You have an opportunity to live out your dream, and I did that,” Barrett said. “I tried to let the game come to me and let other people step up. A lot of times they were double-teaming me. We didn’t make them pay with that guy who was open.”

Krzyzewski threw bouquets at Barrett a day earlier, calling him one of the 10 best players in the nation. Then the Blue Devils proceeded to turn the 5-10 Barrett into the invisible man. He shot 4 of 11 (0-for-4 from 3-point range).

“That isn’t how I would have wanted him to play his last game,” Seton Hall coach Louis Orr said.

Duke stuck Chris Duhon on Barrett, and Duhon’s long arms made it difficult for Barrett to shoot over him. In the first half, Barrett played all 20 minutes yet took only four shots. He didn’t make a single one. Even worse, he was assigned to guard J.J. Redick, who pumped in 17 first-half points.

“I’ve been through this in high school,” Barrett said of losing the final game of his career. “I think it was worse [at Rice High], but now I’m just ready to move on and pursue my life after college and hopefully its gonna be something good.”