Duke basketball secured a victory over Florida State, thanks to an outstanding performance from Isaiah Evans. The sophomore delivered a career-high 28 points, including six made three-pointers, which tied his previous career high. In Duke’s (13-1, 2-0) 91-87 win against the Seminoles on Saturday night at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Evans also shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line. His two crucial free throws late in the game helped extend Duke’s lead to a two-possession advantage with just 9.4 seconds remaining.

Cameron Boozer contributed 17 points and set a season-high with nine assists. Caleb Foster and Dame Sarr each added 13 points, with Sarr scoring his highest total since November 14 against Indiana State. Patrick Ngongba II also chipped in with 10 points.

Florida State started the game strong, hitting 5-of-6 three-pointers to build an early lead. However, Duke quickly adjusted and entered halftime tied at 42-42. Both teams exchanged leads in the second half, but Duke executed a 12-2 run midway through the period to establish a lead that they maintained for the rest of the game. Despite Florida State staying within striking distance, they couldn’t overcome the deficit, trailing by two points with just 23 seconds left. Duke’s clutch free throws sealed the victory and improved their ACC record to 2-0.

The Blue Devils had their best free throw performance of the season, converting 23-of-25 attempts. They finished the game shooting 53% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc. Florida State matched Duke’s efficiency, shooting 53% from the field and 47% from three-point range.

Key Highlights from the Game

• Isaiah Evans’ Career-Night Performance: Evans scored 28 points, making six three-pointers and going 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. His late-game free throws were instrumental in securing the win.
• Cameron Boozer’s Assist Contribution: Boozer not only scored 17 points but also dished out a season-high nine assists, playing a key role in Duke’s offensive execution.
• Dame Sarr’s Impact: Sarr added 13 points, marking his highest score since November 14. He was also efficient from beyond the arc, contributing significantly to the team’s offense.
• Patrick Ngongba II’s Contributions: Ngongba II provided 10 points, helping keep Duke competitive throughout the game.

Game Flow and Turning Points

• Early Lead for Florida State: The Seminoles started the game with a 5-of-6 three-point shooting streak, building an early multi-possession lead. However, Duke managed to stay close and tie the game at halftime.
• Second-Half Surge: After a back-and-forth first half, Duke took control with a 12-2 run in the second half, establishing a lead that they never relinquished.
• Late-Game Clutch Free Throws: With less than 10 seconds remaining, Evans hit two free throws to extend Duke’s lead, sealing the victory.

Statistical Breakdown

• Free Throw Efficiency: Duke shot 23-of-25 from the free-throw line, while Florida State was 18-of-22.
• Field Goal Percentage: Both teams shot well, with Duke at 53% and Florida State at 53%.
• Three-Point Shooting: Duke connected on 44% of their three-point attempts, while Florida State was slightly better at 47%.

Other Notable Moments

• Halftime Tie: Despite Florida State leading for most of the first half, Duke managed to tie the game at 42-42 by halftime.
• Duke’s Second-Half Dominance: The Blue Devils outscored Florida State in the second half, using their depth and experience to maintain control of the game.
• Key Players: Beyond Evans and Boozer, Sarr and Ngongba II provided consistent contributions, ensuring that Duke had multiple scoring threats.

Upcoming Schedule and Broadcast Details

• Duke vs. Florida State Game: The game took place on Saturday, January 3, at 3:45 p.m. ET at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida.
• Broadcast Information: The game was aired on CBS and could be streamed on Paramount+.
• Duke’s 2025-26 Schedule: The Blue Devils have a challenging schedule ahead, including games against Louisville, SMU, California, Stanford, and other ACC opponents.