Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans reveal their emotions after Duke’s win over the defending champs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Duke did not survive Florida because the shots fell. Duke survived because the freshmen grew up. The Blue Devils’ 67-66 win was defined by Cameron Boozer’s poise, Isaiah Evans’ stubborn belief and Jon Scheyer’s insistence that this group even on a night when nothing looked smooth was built for pressure.
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Boozer set the tone. On the final play he said he simply trusted the staff and the moment that waited for him.
“I was just listening to the coaching staff…Obviously the Cameron Crazies were going crazy. I do not think I could hear anything but I feel like the energy they brought us today definitely helped us get that win.”
And when Evans rose for the game winner Boozer had zero hesitation.
“He was not making shots at the beginning of the game but with the work he puts in the trust he has the confidence he has…him coming in to make that shot at the end of the game is big time.”
Evans’ night looked disastrous before it became unforgettable.
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“It was hard. I know you all saw I was losing my mind I am not going to lie…It is not just about me. It is about the team so I have got to focus on what I can do to help the team win.”
He added five blocks and embraced the dirty work that kept Duke afloat. “I have been trying to find other ways to impact the game other than shooting…It means a lot to me that I can contribute in other ways.”
Scheyer saw the win as a testament to maturity earned not given.
“That was a big time game…I thought our guys just battled. I am really proud of them.”
Duke turned a scare into a statement and it will echo well beyond last night.
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