Duke Survives Florida State Scare, Secures Thrilling 91-87 Road Victory
Duke held off a feisty Florida State team 91-87 in a thrilling road victory, led by Caleb Foster's 28 points. The Blue Devils shot 52% from the field but needed a late push to secure the win and improve to 2-0 in the ACC.
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Duke Blue Devils overcame a tough challenge on the road, edging out the Florida State Seminoles 91-87 in a back-and-forth affair at the Tucker Center. Sophomore guard Caleb Foster led the charge with a stellar performance, helping Duke secure a crucial ACC win. The Blue Devils, who shot a blistering 52% from the field, needed every point to hold off a resilient Seminole squad.
The game was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. Duke initially jumped out to an early lead, fueled by hot shooting from beyond the arc. A 10-2 run midway through the first half, punctuated by a contested three-pointer from freshman forward Jaden Harris, gave the Blue Devils a comfortable cushion. However, Florida State responded with a surge of their own, capitalizing on Duke turnovers to close the gap before halftime. The Seminoles started the second half on a 12-4 run, snatching the lead and putting the pressure squarely on Duke. With just under five minutes remaining, the score was tied at 79, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. A crucial offensive rebound and put-back by senior center Christian Reeves gave Duke a lead they would not relinquish, though not without further nail-biting moments.
Caleb Foster was the undeniable star of the game, pouring in 28 points on an efficient 10-of-16 shooting. Foster also added 6 assists and 4 rebounds, showcasing his all-around game. Kyle Filipowski continued his consistent play, contributing 21 points and 8 rebounds. Filipowski's presence in the paint was vital, drawing fouls and creating opportunities for his teammates. Jaden Harris also provided a spark off the bench, scoring 14 points and displaying impressive athleticism.
Duke's offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting 52% from the field and 40% from three-point range. The Blue Devils also won the rebounding battle, grabbing 38 boards compared to Florida State's 32. However, turnovers were a concern, as Duke coughed up the ball 14 times, leading to 18 points for the Seminoles. Florida State, while ultimately falling short, shot an impressive 48% from the field and connected on 12 three-pointers.
This hard-fought victory improves Duke's record to 12-2 overall and 2-0 in ACC play. The Blue Devils will look to build on this momentum as they return home to face the Pittsburgh Panthers next Wednesday. The game against Pittsburgh will be a key test for Duke, as they aim to solidify their position atop the ACC standings. Duke will need to limit turnovers and maintain their strong offensive efficiency to continue their winning ways. With ACC play now in full swing, every game is a crucial step towards March Madness.