On a night filled with tension, Duke demonstrated their resilience as they narrowly defeated Florida 67-66 in a dramatic finish during the ACC/SEC Challenge. With a 15-point lead erased, Florida surged back to grab a brief 66-64 advantage, showcasing the slim margins that separate victory from defeat.

Cameron Boozer emerged as the hero, not just for his penetrating drives but for executing crucial plays under pressure. Duke’s late-game struggles from the previous season seemed a distant memory as they executed flawlessly when it mattered most. Boozer scored 29 points, leading the charge for the Blue Devils, while Isaiah Evans hit the go-ahead three-pointer after an ingenious play designed by Jon Scheyer.

The win marks Duke’s perfect 9-0 record, with Boozer being highlighted as a pivotal figure for their future success. Duke will face No. 8 Michigan State next, and this win serves as a significant confidence boost for a team that is learning to capitalize in clutch moments.

“Stacking winning plays is essential for us as a young team. Games like this make us understand what it takes to come out on top against tough opponents like Florida.”
(This statement underlines the importance of experience and execution in high-pressure situations.)