Cameron Boozer Dominates, But Isaiah Evans is the Hero in Duke’s Heart-Stopping 67-66 Win Over Florida

No. 4 Duke looked unbeatable in the first half, then vulnerable in the second, but ultimately resilient at the finish. A last-second three-pointer from sophomore Isaiah Evans secured a 67-66 victory over reigning champion No. 15 Florida, solidifying the Blue Devils’ perfect record in a classic early-season showdown that tested their championship mettle.

For twenty minutes, it was a masterclass. For the next eighteen, it was a near-collapse. But in the final seconds, it was a display of pure clutch performance. The No. 4 Duke Blue Devils survived a ferocious second-half comeback from the No. 15 Florida Gators to win a thriller, 67-66, in a game that felt more like March than early December.

While freshman sensation Cameron Boozer was the engine for Duke all night, it was sophomore guard Isaiah Evans who played the hero, drilling the game-winning three-pointer that sent Cameron Indoor Stadium into a frenzy and kept Duke’s undefeated season alive.

A Tale of Two Halves

The Blue Devils stormed out of the gate, playing suffocating defense and executing with precision on offense. They held the reigning champion Gators to their lowest-scoring half of the season, taking a commanding 36-24 lead into the locker room. Duke looked every bit the part of a top-five team, poised for a statement blowout.

But Florida, carrying the experience of last season’s Final Four run, refused to break. Led by All-SEC forward Thomas Haugh, who finished with a team-high 24 points and 6 rebounds, the Gators clawed their way back. Their imposing front line, featuring preseason All-American Alex Condon, began to dominate the glass, ultimately winning the rebounding battle 44-33. The Duke lead evaporated, setting the stage for a chaotic finish.

Frantic Finish in Durham

With Florida tying the game at 59-59, the final three minutes became a shot-for-shot spectacle. It was then that Cameron Boozer, who was magnificent all night with a game-high 29 points, hit a clutch three-pointer to push Duke back ahead, 62-59, with just over two minutes remaining.

The Gators, however, were unfazed. They answered with points on three straight possessions, a run capped by a stunning three from Boogie Fland with just 35 seconds left. The shot gave Florida a 66-64 lead, its first since the opening minutes of the game, and silenced the home crowd.

But the final laugh belonged to Duke. Out of a timeout, sophomore Isaiah Evans caught the ball on the wing and, without hesitation, pulled up for the go-ahead three-pointer that would prove to be the game-winner. On Florida’s final possession, Fland lost control of the ball, sealing a dramatic 67-66 victory for the Blue Devils, confirmed by the official game stats.

Why This Win Matters

This was more than just another victory for Duke; it was a test of identity. The Blue Devils proved they could not only dominate but also win ugly when their backs are against the wall. While their second-half struggles against Florida’s physicality are a point of concern, their ability to execute under immense pressure speaks volumes about their potential.

Despite being outrebounded, Duke’s superior efficiency made the difference, as they outshot Florida from the field 45% to 37%. This win, their third over a ranked opponent this season, solidifies their standing as a legitimate national title contender.

What’s Next for the Blue Devils

With the win, Duke improves to a perfect 9-0 on the season. The road doesn’t get any easier, however. Their next challenge is arguably their toughest yet: a road trip to face No. 7 Michigan State on Saturday. That matchup will provide another critical benchmark for a young but immensely talented Blue Devils team.

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