In a thrilling comeback, Duke secured an 80-79 victory over Florida State, advancing to the ACC Tournament semifinals. The Blue Devils faced a challenging scenario, trailing by eight points in the second half without two key players: point guard Caleb Foster and center Patrick Ngongba.
Duke’s Fortitude Shines
Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, called a timely timeout to inspire his team. “I just tried to get them to look at it as an opportunity,” he stated. This pivotal moment led to an impressive 19-2 run.
- Final Score: Duke 80, Florida State 79
- Duke’s Record: 30 wins and 2 losses this season
- ACC Tournament Semifinals: Next opponent is either North Carolina or Clemson
Impressive Player Performances
Isaiah Evans led Duke with a career-high 32 points, shooting 7-of-16 from beyond the arc. Cameron Boozer contributed significantly with 23 points and 10 rebounds, marking his 18th double-double of the season. Despite a shaky performance, Cayden Boozer made a critical dunk late in the game.
Florida State’s Lajae Jones scored 28 points, while Robert McCray V added 25 points but missed a crucial buzzer-beater. Florida State concluded the season with a record of 18-15, having won four consecutive games prior to this match.
Key Statistics and Insights
- Duke’s Offensive Rebounds: 22, leading to 24 second-chance points
- Maliq Brown’s Contribution: 8 offensive rebounds and 3 steals
- Florida State’s Recent Form: 10 wins in the last 12 games
“Their youth and talent are why they are the No. 1 team,” Florida State’s coach Luke Loucks noted. Duke’s resilience, reflected in their strong performance under pressure, underscores their status as NCAA Tournament favorites.
This dramatic win not only showcased Duke’s strength but also their ability to adapt, highlighting their potential as they move deeper into the ACC Tournament.
