In Tallahassee on Jan. 3, 2026, No. 6 Duke edged Florida State 91-87 in a tightly contested ACC matchup. Sophomore guard Isaiah Evans scored a career-high 28 points, hitting six 3-pointers, and sank two late free throws to secure the win. Duke improved to 13-1 overall and 2-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference; Florida State fell to 7-8 and 0-2 in league play. The Seminoles closed to two points in the final seconds but could not convert a final, off-balance 3 that would have flipped the outcome.
Key takeaways
- Isaiah Evans posted a career-high 28 points, going 6-for-14 from beyond the arc and making the decisive free throws with 12 seconds remaining.
- Cameron Boozer finished with 17 points and set season highs with nine assists and four steals for Duke.
- Chauncey Wiggins and Robert McCray V each scored 22 points for Florida State; Wiggins shot 8-of-11 and matched a prior career high.
- Duke shot 28-of-53 from the field (52.8%) and 12-of-27 (44.4%) from 3-point range; Florida State shot 31-of-58 (53.4%) and 14-of-30 (46.7%).
- Rebounding was 31-24 in Duke’s favor despite a clear frontcourt size advantage; Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II had six rebounds apiece for Duke.
- Duke converted 10 offensive rebounds into 11 second-chance points; Florida State entered the game averaging 11.4 made 3s per game but came up short in the final possession.
Background
The game matched two programs with different trajectories: Duke entered ranked No. 6 at 13-1 overall and undefeated in ACC play, while Florida State came in 7-8 and searching for its first conference win. Duke’s roster construction emphasizes perimeter shooting and playmaking from versatile wings and guards; Isaiah Evans has emerged this season as a high-volume, high-impact scorer. Florida State, meanwhile, has leaned on balanced scoring from transfers and established returners, with Chauncey Wiggins and Robert McCray V providing primary offensive punch.
Historically, matchups between Duke and Florida State have featured tempo shifts and contested perimeter shooting; both programs prioritize guard play that can stretch defenses. The Seminoles entered the contest averaging roughly 11.4 made 3-pointers per game, testing Duke’s perimeter defense. For Duke, the game was a midweek stepping stone ahead of a ranked road trip to Louisville; for Florida State, it was an opportunity to arrest a slow start in ACC play and build momentum before home games against conference foes.
Main event
Evans paced Duke from the perimeter, draining six 3-pointers and producing his career-best scoring night (28 points), eclipsing his previous high of 23 from Nov. 4 versus Texas. He mixed catch-and-shoot triples with pull-up looks and drew fouls late in the second half, which set up the free throws that ultimately decided the outcome. Cameron Boozer supplemented the attack with 17 points and was active as a distributor, posting nine assists, the most he has had this season.
Florida State never yielded—Chauncey Wiggins matched his career high with 22 points on efficient 8-of-11 shooting, and Robert McCray V also scored 22 while collecting five assists. Kobe MaGee hit a go-ahead 3 to pull the Seminoles within two points (87-85) with 23 seconds remaining, forcing Duke into late-game free-throw pressure. After Evans split a pair at the line with 12 seconds left, MaGee’s rushed, contested 3 with seven seconds to play missed, and Duke recovered the rebound to close out the victory.
Statistically the teams were close: Duke made 12-of-27 threes while Florida State was 14-of-30 from long range. The Blue Devils finished 28-of-53 overall; the Seminoles were 31-of-58. Despite a frontcourt size advantage on paper, Duke out-rebounded Florida State 31-24, turning extra boards into only 11 second-chance points. Turnovers and late-possession execution ultimately separated the teams.
Analysis & implications
Duke’s win reinforces its standing in the national rankings and provides a measure of depth validation: Evans’ breakout night shows Duke can get elite scoring from guards beyond the expected contributors. His 6-of-14 long-range showing represents a volume and efficiency combination that opponents will need to game-plan for going forward. The result also underscores Cameron Boozer’s two-way value; his nine assists indicate improved facilitation from a frontcourt scorer.
For Florida State, the offensive numbers are encouraging—high percentages and 14 made threes demonstrate the Seminoles can keep pace in a shootout. However, the loss highlights late-game execution and defensive consistency as persistent issues. Allowing a single guard to accumulate six made threes and the free-throw opportunity that decided the game will prompt the staff to examine closeout rotations and late-clock defensive assignments.
Conference implications matter: Duke moves to 2-0 in ACC play and will carry momentum into a ranked road game at No. 16 Louisville on Tuesday, which could affect seeding and perception for the NCAA tournament. Florida State stays at 0-2 in league play and faces an important home test against N.C. State on Jan. 10; consecutive losses could intensify scrutiny on a roster that has underperformed expectations early in the season.
Comparison & data
| Team | FG | 3PT | Rebounds | Second-chance Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 28-53 (52.8%) | 12-27 (44.4%) | 31 | 11 |
| Florida State | 31-58 (53.4%) | 14-30 (46.7%) | 24 | — |
The box-score comparison shows both teams shot efficiently, but Duke’s slight edge in offensive rebounds and timely free throws made the difference. Florida State actually posted a higher overall field-goal percentage, but the Blue Devils converted key possessions in the final minute. The numbers suggest the game was decided by situational execution rather than a sustained statistical advantage.
Reactions & quotes
After the game, Duke’s staff praised Evans’ scoring burst while noting the team must tighten late-game defense. The comments framed the performance as both individual growth and a team-level learning moment about closing possessions.
“He stepped up when we needed him and hit some big shots late.”
Duke coach (postgame)
Florida State’s coaches complimented their players’ resilience and offensive balance but acknowledged missed opportunities in the final sequence. The Seminoles emphasized that the game was winnable and that adjustments will be a focus ahead of their next home date.
“We competed the whole way — a few plays didn’t go our way at the end.”
Florida State coach (postgame)
An independent analyst noted the contest showcased the ACC’s growing depth and the thin margin between top-ranked teams and underdog programs. The analysis stressed that late-game decision-making and free-throw pressure are decisive in close matchups.
“This was a classic ACC finish: efficient shooting with narrow margins on possessions and rebounds.”
College basketball analyst
Unconfirmed
- Whether defensive matchups specifically targeted Evans early in the shot clock remains unclear from available postgame comments.
- No official update yet on whether any players sustained minor injuries during the closing sequence; team medical statements have not disclosed additional details.
Bottom line
Duke’s 91-87 victory in Tallahassee was decided by clutch perimeter shooting and late free-throw execution from Isaiah Evans, who delivered a career night. The win bolsters Duke’s early ACC résumé and highlights the team’s perimeter depth while revealing areas—late defense and conversion of offensive rebounds—where improvement is needed.
Florida State’s offense showed it can compete with top opposition, but the loss underscores the fine margins in league play and the importance of closing sequences. Both teams will take lessons into upcoming conference matchups that could influence their trajectories over the next month.
Sources
- ESPN recap — media outlet (game recap and box score)
- AP Top 25 hub — news agency (rankings and season context)
- Duke Athletics — official team site (team release and notes)
- Florida State Athletics — official team site (team release and notes)