UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, Isaiah Evans delivered a stunning 3-pointer with just 19.7 seconds left, propelling the Duke Blue Devils to a 67-66 victory over the 15th-ranked Florida Gators at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 5, 2023. This tense match saw Duke fight back from a late deficit against the reigning national champions.
Evans, who had struggled throughout the game, went 0 for 7 from beyond the arc prior to his game-winning shot. “That’s my job, I’ve got to stick it,” Evans stated, reflecting on the pressure of the moment. His resilience shone through as he finished the game with 13 points, significantly contributing in the second half after a lackluster start.
The excitement peaked when Florida’s Boogie Fland hit a 3-pointer, giving the Gators a 66-64 lead in the closing minute. Duke responded with a timeout, strategizing to place the ball in the hands of freshman standout Cameron Boozer, who scored an impressive 29 points during the game.
As Evans executed his play, slipping past defenders to receive the pass from Boozer, Cameron Indoor erupted in cheers. “I have no words for that. I shot it with confidence and it went in,” Evans reflected, expressing gratitude for the pivotal moment.
Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, praised Evans for his growth under pressure, noting the increased defensive attention he faces this season. “It showed great growth, really good maturity,” Scheyer commented, emphasizing the importance of team-focused play.
The Gators attempted to reclaim their momentum but failed to score on their final possession, sealing Duke’s victory. “We did a great job on Evans. He only made one 3. Unfortunately, it was the last one of the night,” lamented Florida coach Todd Golden.
This thrilling finish not only highlights Evans’ determination but also sets the stage for Duke’s upcoming challenges as they continue their season. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this victory impacts the Blue Devils’ momentum going forward. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Duke aims to build on this dramatic win.
