Duke Hangs on to Beat Florida State in ACC Tournament

By Elias Meredith

Sportz Nation - 3/13/26

Photo by Nell Redmond/AP Photo

Thursday night, the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils traveled 141 miles southwest to face the Florida State Seminoles at the Spectrum to kick off ACC Tournament play. A game where Duke were 16 point favorites came down to the last shot. Senior guard Robert McCray V missed a game-winning three point attempt as time expired, as Duke escaped with an 80-79 win.

The first half was filled with ties and lead changes. Both teams exploded offensively, relying on their top scorers. Duke sophomore guard Isaiah Evans had a monster first half, scoring 21 points. ACC Player of the Year Cameron Boozer added 11 points.

Florida State backcourt, Robert McCray V and Lajae Jones combined for 27 in the first half, as they had a 44-43 lead at halftime.

The second half started with more of the same. Both teams battled for position, looking to create separation.

With 10:24 left in regulation, Duke found their rhythm, going on a 12-0 run to get their biggest lead of the game at 12.

Florida State would respond. Robert McCray V and Lajae Jones powered an 11-5 run to cut the deficit to 3.

Isaiah Evans drilled his 7th three of the game to put Duke back ahead by 6 with 2:48 left in regulation. Evans' three-pointer gave him a career-high 32 points on the night.

Lajae Jones would score 5 straight points to make it a 78-77 game, before Cayden Boozer’s layup made it an 80-77 game. A Chauncey Wiggins bucket would make it an 80-79 game with 37 seconds remaining.

With 8 seconds left in regulation, senior forward Alex Steen’s block on Cameron Boozer put Florida State in position to get their biggest win of the season.

Florida State would get the ball in the hands of their playmaker with the shot clock unplugged. Robert McCray V crossed half court, looking to put a cap to his 14-point second half. McCray V’s three-point attempt would bounce off the back rim, as Duke escaped an early exit.

Key to Victory: Duke’s physicality

Duke out rebounded Florida State 44-24, including a 20-5 advantage in offensive rebounds, which led to second chance points for Duke.

Next for the Blue Devils: Friday, March 13 vs Clemson Tigers at 9:30 PM EST

Next for the Seminoles: TBD. A possible NIT bid

Thank you for reading!

Elias Meredith (@EAM_55)