Duke Edges FSU 80-79 in ACC Thriller

Duke Survives FSU Scare in ACC Quarterfinals, 80-79

In a breathtaking ACC Tournament quarterfinal matchup, the Duke Blue Devils narrowly escaped a furious comeback attempt by the Florida State Seminoles, clinching an 80-79 victory to advance to the semifinals. The game, a back-and-forth slugfest from start to finish, saw the Seminoles, the number eight seed, push the heavily favored Blue Devils to the absolute brink. Despite a career-high 32 points from Florida State’s Isaiah Evans, Duke managed to hang on, with a crucial defensive play in the dying seconds sealing their fate.

Evans Explodes, But Duke’s Resilience Prevails

Isaiah Evans was nothing short of spectacular for Florida State, pouring in 32 points and keeping the Seminoles in contention throughout the contest. His offensive outburst included a barrage of three-pointers and clutch drives to the basket, including his first basket of the second half to bring Florida State within one point. Evans, who had previously scored 28 points against Duke in January, once again proved to be a thorn in the Blue Devils’ side. His ability to create his own shot and hit timely triples kept the Seminoles within striking distance, especially during a critical seven-point run that narrowed the deficit.

Despite Evans’ heroics, Duke’s young core, particularly freshman sensation Cameron Boozer, showcased their mettle. Boozer finished with 20 points and was instrumental in keeping Duke in the game, especially in the second half. His ability to score from inside and out, coupled with key offensive rebounds, provided crucial second-chance opportunities. The Blue Devils, who have battled injuries throughout the season, with seven of their top eight rotation players being underclassmen, demonstrated the poise and resilience that has defined their impressive 29-2 season (17-1 in ACC play) coming into the tournament.

A Game of Runs and Crucial Moments

The first half saw a determined Florida State squad, led by Evans and the often explosive John Wiggins, take a slim lead into halftime. Wiggins, who averages 13 points per game, contributed with his ability to knock down shots and create opportunities. The Seminoles’ defensive intensity, particularly their zone defense, gave Duke trouble early on. However, Duke’s ability to secure offensive rebounds, with multiple possessions featuring second and third chances, kept them alive. Malik Brown and Boozer were particularly active on the boards.

The second half was a mirror of the first, with both teams trading blows. Florida State managed to build their biggest lead of the game during a 9-2 run, fueled by sharp shooting from Robert McCrae and efficient play from Evans. McCrae, who had a stellar performance the night before, continued to be a primary offensive threat for the Seminoles, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking ability with six assists per game. His determined drives and clutch shots kept Florida State in the hunt.

“We’ve been in this position before,” Isaiah Evans said post-game when asked about the team’s mindset in the closing minutes. “This is the games that we want to be involved in, especially because it’s March. So, just trust each other, keep doing the things that got us in this position, and then just trust each other. That’s it.”

The Final Seconds: Defense Wins It for Duke

As the clock wound down, the tension in the arena was palpable. With under 30 seconds remaining and the score tied, Florida State had possession. The game came down to the wire, with Duke’s defense ultimately making the decisive play. After a sequence of passes, Robert McCrae, who had been a key offensive weapon for Florida State, attempted a potential game-winning three-pointer. However, Duke’s Alex Steen came up with a massive block in the final seconds, preserving the one-point lead.

On the ensuing possession, Cameron Boozer secured a crucial offensive rebound, and his put-back attempt was also blocked by Steen, sealing the victory for the Blue Devils. The final buzzer sounded with Duke clinging to an 80-79 lead, sending them to the ACC semifinals and ending Florida State’s season. For the Seminoles, this marks the end of their tournament run and they will not participate in the NCAA tournament.

Looking Ahead: Duke Advances, FSU Season Ends

Duke will now advance to face either Clemson or UNC in the ACC semifinals, continuing their quest for an ACC championship. The Blue Devils’ ability to win close games, even with a young roster and facing adversity, bodes well for their NCAA tournament aspirations. The resilience shown against a hot Florida State team demonstrates their potential to make a deep run in March Madness.

For Florida State, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow. Despite a valiant effort and a standout performance from Isaiah Evans, their season concludes without an NCAA tournament bid. The Seminoles showed flashes of brilliance and the potential to compete with the nation’s best, but ultimately fell short in a thrilling conference tournament exit.

Source: ACC Tournament: FSU Seminoles vs. Duke Blue Devils | Full Game Highlights | ESPN College Basketball (YouTube)