Duke Overcomes Florida’s Rally for Third Win Against Ranked Opponent
No. 4 Duke faced No. 15 Florida in an intense college basketball matchup on Tuesday night. Though Duke initially held a comfortable lead, Florida made a strong comeback from a 36-24 halftime deficit. The game culminated in a thrilling finish, with Duke narrowly securing a 67-66 victory.
Duke’s Dominant Freshman Shines
Star freshman Cameron Boozer was instrumental in Duke’s victory, contributing significantly throughout the game. He recorded a game-high 29 points, along with 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Boozer’s pivotal 3-pointer with 2:10 remaining ignited a frenzy, putting Duke back in the lead at 62-59.
Exciting Finale
Florida responded quickly, scoring on three consecutive possessions. The momentum shifted when Boogie Fland hit a crucial 3-pointer with 35 seconds left, giving Florida a 66-64 advantage—their first lead since the early moments of the game.
Duke’s Isaiah Evans emerged as the hero, sinking a go-ahead 3-pointer right after a timeout to put the Blue Devils up 67-66. A turnover by Fland sealed the game for Duke, ensuring their win with no chance for Florida to recover.
Season Progress and Upcoming Challenges
- Duke improved to 9-0 for the season.
- This victory marks Duke’s third win against a ranked opponent.
- Previous wins include victories over No. 24 Kansas and No. 22 Arkansas.
Next, Duke faces a significant challenge as they travel to play against No. 7 Michigan State on Saturday. This matchup is expected to test their strengths, especially following their victory over the reigning champions from last season.
This electrifying game highlighted Duke’s resilience and skill, showcasing a promising season ahead. Fans can look forward to more exciting basketball as the Blue Devils strive for continued success.
