NCAA BASKETBALL: Isaiah Evans, No. 1 Duke edge Florida State to make ACC semis

Isaiah Evans scored a career-high 32 points as top-seeded Duke held off eighth-seeded Florida State 80-79 Thursday night in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament in Charlotte, N.C.

Evans shot 11 of 20 from the floor and sank seven 3-pointers, adding six rebounds and three assists for the Blue Devils (30-2), who advance to the semifinals to face fifth-seeded Clemson. The Tigers narrowly defeated No. 19 North Carolina 80-79 in their quarterfinal matchup. Duke is eyeing its third ACC title in four seasons under coach Jon Scheyer.

Freshman phenom Cameron Boozer contributed 23 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists for Duke, which was without starters Patrick Ngongba and Caleb Foster due to foot injuries.

Florida State (18-15) was led by 28 points from Lajae Jones and 25 from Robert McCray V, with Chauncey Wiggins adding 13 points. In the final minute, Wiggins cut Duke’s lead to one with a fallaway jumper over Boozer, putting the Seminoles within striking distance.

Duke’s final possession ran down the clock, and Boozer’s 14-foot attempt was blocked by Alex Steen. Florida State rushed down the court but settled for a 3-pointer from McCray, which missed as time expired.

The second half featured multiple lead changes. Florida State went ahead by eight midway through the half after a 12-4 run capped by McCray’s 3-pointer. Duke quickly answered with a 19-2 run, highlighted by a deep 3-pointer from Evans assisted by Boozer, giving the Blue Devils a nine-point lead with under eight minutes remaining.

Despite missing nine free throws, Duke dominated the boards, outrebounding Florida State by 21.

-Field Level Media/Reuters