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Maryland Maintained Civility After Duke Loss

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) -- Civility on campus. It's what the University of Maryland's student government pushed for in wake of Wednesday night's game against Duke. But did they get it?

 Gigi Barnett has more.

It's quiet on the University of Maryland's campus just as school leaders wanted. The university took extra steps to avoid the student riot that occurred after last year's win against Duke.

"I remember trying to get home in all of that. I was like, 'This is not worth it,'" said Amanda Dunbebin, a Maryland student.

 Prince George's County police responded, and a video of officers beating one student made national news.

But this year the Student Government Association tried something different: the students organized Beat Duke Week to help students steer clear of rioting and channel their excitement elsewhere.

"We're created a place for them to come celebrate and we're hoping everyone comes down and joins us," said Steve Glickman, student government president.

After a blowout to the Blue Devils, students noticed the change.

"Now they're realizing that maybe that wasn't such a good idea," Dunbebin said. "I mean I can get in trouble for doing it, so they're realizing that maybe it's not the best idea."

"We don't want to be viewed as the school that riots on Route 1," said another Maryland student.

In a statement to WJZ, the University of Maryland police spokesman wrote: "They are pleased with the outcome. It was a well-attended event, and everyone celebrated and had a good time. Students were safe and responsible. We had no issues whatsoever."

In addition to a pre-game pep rally, the student government also hosted a bonfire after the game to keep students from rioting. More than 200 students decided to attend that bonfire.

Terps head basketball coach Gary Williams also joined up with the student government and asked students not to riot this year.

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