Struggles in the First Half

After a lackluster first half where they attempted 20 three-point shots in an eventual 85-79 home victory over the unranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Wednesday, Jon Scheyer’s fourth Duke basketball team showed similar tendencies against the unranked Florida State Seminoles (7-7, 0-2 ACC) on Saturday. The Blue Devils (13-1, 2-0 ACC), ranked No. 6, took 14 three-pointers in the first half, but it felt like more than that as they were essentially losing a 3-point contest en route to a 42-42 tie at halftime.

A Lack of Passion

Duke’s performance in the first half was marked by a lack of energy and intensity. The team seemed to be jogging around the court, settling for three-point attempts on one end and allowing too many open looks from beyond the arc on the other. The Seminoles, who hit eight of their 17 three-point shots before the break, appeared hungry for a win, while Duke looked disinterested, as if satisfied with their accomplishments so far this season.

Finding Their Rhythm

Despite the slow start, the Blue Devils eventually found their inner drive. They shifted their strategy, focusing more on driving toward the basket rather than passing the ball around the perimeter in search of another three-point shot. This change in approach helped them find their rhythm from downtown, leading to better open threes that came from kick-out passes rather than the half-hearted attempts from the first half.

In the end, Duke shot 12-for-17 from beyond the arc and went 23-for-25 at the free-throw line to secure the win.

Key Performances

Sophomore wing and leading sharpshooter Isaiah Evans had a standout game, finishing with a career-high 28 points. He added three rebounds, one assist, one steal, two blocks, and only one turnover. Evans shot 6-for-14 from three-point range and 6-for-6 at the free-throw line.

Freshman reserve wing Dame Sarr also contributed significantly, scoring 13 points in his first double-digit outing in over six weeks. He added three rebounds in 23 minutes on the floor.

Other notable contributors included freshman forward Cameron Boozer, who tallied 17 points, five rebounds, nine assists, and four steals; junior guard Caleb Foster, who scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds; and sophomore center Patrick Ngongba II, who added 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and three blocks.

Upcoming Matchup

Duke basketball will now prepare for its second straight road game. The Blue Devils will face the No. 16-ranked Louisville Cardinals (11-3, 1-1 ACC) at the KFC Yum! Center on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN).