Cameron Boozer's 29 points and clutch triple ignited Duke's undefeated streak, leaving Florida searching for answers after another foe misjudged his scoring power.
Reigning National Champion Florida (5-3) Had Few Answers For Duke (9-0) Freshman Phenom Cameron Boozer in Tuesday's Exhilarating Showdown.
When you don't double Cameron Boozer, you pay the price.
John Calipari learned this lesson the hard way when Boozer dropped 35 points on his Razorbacks last week. When asked what he attributed his offensive success to, Boozer answered, "They weren't doubling this game."
Florida coach Todd Golden clearly did not learn Calipari's mistake Tuesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium. With a front line featuring three players back from April's title team, Golden chose not to double.
Once again, Boozer feasted at the rim — amassing 29 points — in Duke's thrilling, 67-66 victory in the ACC-SEC Challenge.
However, the freshman's two most important plays of the nights were not in the paint.
After Florida battled back from a 15-point deficit to tie the score, Boozer drilled a right-wing triple to give the Blue Devils the lead. Then, with Duke trailing by two points, Boozer assisted on Isaiah Evans' game-winning three with 19.7 seconds remaining.
Prior to the last two games against SEC opponents, Duke had faced just two high-major opponents. On both occasions, which were played on neutral courts, Boozer faced double teams and struggled.
In his collegiate debut, Boozer was held scoreless at halftime by the Texas Long Horns. While he would still finish with 15 points and 12 rebounds, he was held to 3 of 12 shooting from the floor.
Boozer reacted better against the double when facing Kansas at Madison Square Garden. Rather than force the issue, he collected four assists — to just six shot attempts — in the first half before becoming more assertive down the stretch. However, his 7 of 17 shooting night (41%) is only the second time he was held under 45 percent this season.
That wasn't the only stand-out performance in the post, though.
Sophomore Patrick Ngongba turned in 11 points to along with four assists. Guards Caleb Foster and Isaiah Evans chipped in as well. Foster grabbed five rebounds and the game-clinching steal, while Evans blocked five shots.
The Blue Devils' nine-game winning streak to open the season is the program's best start since 2018. The soon-to-be Elite 8 squad — led by Grayson Allen — started 11-0 before losing its ACC opener against Boston College.
Duke will close a three-game, non-conference gauntlet at Michigan State on Saturday. Tip-off from East Lansing is set for noon and the game will be televised on FOX.