For the second straight game, the Blue Devils found themselves cutting it far closer than expected — this time in a tense 91-87 win over Florida State Seminoles.

Coming off another narrow escape earlier in the week, Duke Blue Devils again looked vulnerable, particularly on the defensive end. Florida State controlled much of the first half, repeatedly exposing Duke’s shaky perimeter defense.

Open looks from beyond the arc kept the Seminoles in front, as Duke struggled to close out shooters and consistently communicate on rotations. The result was a first half that felt more uncomfortable than commanding, with Florida State setting the tone and Duke searching for answers.

Those answers didn’t fully arrive until the second half — and they came almost entirely through one player. Isaiah Evans delivered the type of performance Duke needed to avoid another damaging stumble. Evans poured in a career-high 28 points, igniting the Blue Devils on both ends of the floor.

His shot-making flipped the momentum, providing offensive clarity when Duke desperately needed it. Whether it was knocking down jumpers in rhythm or attacking closeouts, Evans gave Duke life and confidence.

Still, the win did little to erase the underlying concerns. Duke’s three-point defense remains a clear issue, and quality opponents will continue to test it until adjustments are made. Florida State’s ability to dictate stretches of the game underscored that this Duke team isn’t yet comfortable blowing teams out, even when favored.

There were also some moments where their effort was a little sus. 

They will not get away with this type of performance where they are headed next. Duke now heads to no. 16 Louisville on Tuesday night. 

So far in the last four games, Duke has won games against Lipscomb, Georgia Tech, and Florida State, but has trailed in at minimum half and had their backs against the wall in each of those wins. They've also lost and blown a game they lead against Texas Tech in the stretch.

If Duke shows up this way against the Louisville Cardinals, I have a feeling it could look like the Texas Tech game all over again.