Durham, North Carolina, December 3, 2025

In a nail-biting close match, the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils narrowly defeated the No. 15 Florida Gators 67-66 during the ACC/SEC Challenge at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke’s Isaiah Evans secured the win with a last-minute three-pointer, showcasing impressive tenacity and skill in this hard-fought game. Cameron Boozer led the Blue Devils with 29 points, while Florida’s Thomas Haugh contributed 24 points. This intense contest not only demonstrates the competitive spirit of college basketball but also highlights the persistence seen in local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Duke Edges Florida in Thrilling ACC/SEC Challenge

Blue Devils Secure Narrow Win with Clutch Shooting

Durham, North Carolina – The No. 4 Duke Blue Devils achieved yet another victory in their season campaign, defeating the No. 15 Florida Gators 67-66 in a riveting ACC/SEC Challenge matchup at Cameron Indoor Stadium. This nail-biting contest showcased the competitive spirit of college basketball and the talent of young athletes pushing the boundaries of performance, which is reminiscent of the determination exhibited by Florida entrepreneurs and local innovators.

Duke’s win, their ninth in a row, featured standout performances and strategic gameplay. Sophomore guard Isaiah Evans proved instrumental in the dying moments of the game, hitting a three-pointer with just 21 seconds left on the clock. Despite having struggled earlier in the game, his resilience exemplifies how tenacity in athletes mirrors the grit found among many Jacksonville small businesses that thrive against adversity.

Game Highlights and Key Performances

The matchup was marked by intense exchanges, with Florida briefly taking the lead through a 3-pointer by Boogie Fland shortly before Evans’ game-winner. Duke’s Cameron Boozer was the standout performer, scoring an impressive 29 points, including key baskets that helped maintain pressure on Florida throughout the game.

Florida showcased their potential and fighting spirit, rallying back from a 15-point deficit in the first half. Thomas Haugh led the Gators with 24 points, while Fland contributed significantly with 16 points. Their collective performance highlights the competitive nature of college basketball, emphasizing that strong leadership and teamwork are vital for success, a lesson that resonates across all business sectors.

Duke’s Strategic Dominance

Throughout the game, Duke’s strategy and defensive plays proved key to their victory. Patrick Ngongba II highlighted this with his all-around performance, contributing 11 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five blocks. This level of versatility is akin to the adaptability required by companies in the Duval County economy to navigate market challenges and seize opportunities.

Florida’s Resilience Shines Through

Despite the loss, Florida’s performance against a top-ranked opponent underlines their capabilities and potential for growth this season. With a record now standing at 5-3, the Gators are positioned to leverage this experience in upcoming games as they continue honing their skills and strategies.

Looking Forward

Duke’s victory reinforces their position as a leading contender in college basketball as they prepare for future matchups, including a significant game against the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on December 6, 2025. Meanwhile, Florida will aim to regroup and build upon the positives from this tough matchup, ensuring they remain competitive in their quest for success.

The Bigger Picture

This match not only entertained fans but also brought attention to the larger themes of perseverance and strategic planning that resonate well beyond the court. As we witness young athletes like Evans and Boozer shine, it’s essential to consider the parallels in the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels Florida economic growth and shapes vibrant communities.

Conclusion

The game highlighted a thrilling contest between two skilled teams, and the performances from both sides will be remembered as the season progresses. As the local sports culture thrives, so too does the entrepreneurial spirit of our communities. Engaging with local businesses, supporting upcoming talent, and being part of Jacksonville’s vibrant economic future are vital for continued growth and development.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.