Isaiah Evans’ Last-Second 3-Pointer Lifts Duke Over Florida, 67-66

URGENT UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, Isaiah Evans hit a dramatic 3-pointer with just 19.7 seconds remaining, leading the Duke Blue Devils to a stunning 67-66 victory over the Florida Gators on November 28, 2023, at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Evans, who had struggled throughout the game with 0 for 7 shooting from beyond the arc, delivered when it mattered most, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. “That’s my job, I’ve got to stick it,” Evans stated after the game, highlighting his determination to contribute to the team’s success despite earlier frustrations.

The win is crucial for the fourth-ranked Blue Devils, who faced a fierce challenge from the 15th-ranked Gators. Florida had surged ahead with a 3-pointer from Boogie Fland, taking a 66-64 lead in the final minute. However, Duke quickly regrouped and executed a critical play that put the ball in the hands of freshman sensation Cameron Boozer, who scored 29 points during the game.

Evans, who finished the game with 13 points and a career-high 5 blocked shots, emphasized teamwork, saying, “I had to focus on what can I do to help the team win.” His resilience paid off as he made the pivotal shot, reflecting the growth and maturity that Duke’s coach Jon Scheyer praised post-game.

“It’s different from a scouting-report perspective,” Scheyer noted. “They did a good job of hanging tough with him, trying to make life difficult. It showed great growth and maturity,”

As the game wound down, Duke executed a perfectly designed play that allowed Evans to receive a clean look at the basket. His shot not only sealed the game but also marked a significant moment in his development as a player. Evans expressed gratitude for the moment, stating, “I’ve got to give praise to God on that one. I shot it with confidence and it went in.”

The loss was tough for Florida, as their coach Todd Golden acknowledged, “We did a great job on Evans. He only made one 3. Unfortunately, it was the last one of the night.” This game not only highlights the competitive spirit in college basketball but also sets the stage for future matchups as both teams aim for success this season.

As the Blue Devils celebrate this hard-fought victory, fans are left buzzing about the potential of this young team and the thrilling moments still to come in the college basketball season. Stay tuned for more updates on Duke’s journey as they continue to make headlines across the nation.