Evans’ Late Three-Pointer Secures Duke’s Win Over Florida

In a thrilling matchup on March 5, 2024, the fourth-ranked Duke Blue Devils edged past the 15th-ranked Florida Gators with a narrow victory of 67-66 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game culminated in a dramatic moment as Isaiah Evans hit a crucial three-pointer with just 19.7 seconds remaining, securing the win for Duke.

Evans had endured a challenging night, struggling to find his rhythm from beyond the arc and starting 0 for 7 before making the pivotal shot. Reflecting on his performance, he acknowledged the pressure, stating, “That’s my job, I’ve got to stick it.” His resilience paid off, as the sophomore managed to finish the game with 13 points on 5-for-14 shooting, predominantly contributing in the second half.

Throughout the game, Evans displayed not only offensive determination but also defensive prowess, achieving a career-high of five blocked shots. His efforts came as he transitioned from a supporting role last season, where he played behind a star-studded lineup that reached the Final Four, to a key player for this year’s team.

Despite his shooting struggles, Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach, praised Evans’ growth and maturity on the court. “It’s different from a scouting-report perspective,” Scheyer noted, highlighting the increased defensive attention directed towards Evans. “It’s not always going to be your shot-making. I thought it showed great growth, really good maturity.”

The game was tightly contested throughout, with Florida rallying back from a 15-point deficit. A pivotal moment came when Boogie Fland hit a three-pointer, giving Florida a late 66-64 lead. Following a timeout, Duke executed a play that focused on their freshman star, Cameron Boozer, who had an impressive night with 29 points.

As the Gators attempted to guard Boozer, Evans slipped past the defense to receive a pass on the left wing, where he took the decisive shot that electrified the crowd. “I shot it with confidence and it went in,” Evans remarked after the game, expressing his gratitude.

Following Evans’ three-pointer, Florida was unable to respond effectively, turning the ball over on their next possession and failing to get off a shot on a final desperation attempt. Florida’s coach, Todd Golden, acknowledged the challenge of containing Evans during the game, stating, “We did a great job on Evans. He only made one three. Unfortunately, it was the last one of the night.”

This victory not only highlights Duke’s resilience but also marks a significant moment for Evans as he continues to develop under the pressure of collegiate basketball. The Blue Devils will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming games, with Evans emerging as a player to watch moving forward.