Duke Edges Florida State in Close Contest
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 3:45 PM ET · Tucker Center
Duke Blue Devils 91, Florida State Seminoles 87, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Duke Blue Devils vs Florida State Seminoles?
Duke Blue Devils beat Florida State Seminoles 91-87 at Tucker Center on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Duke Blue Devils vs Florida State Seminoles?
Duke Blue Devils were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1800 (about 95% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Tucker Center, the Duke Blue Devils narrowly defeated the Florida State Seminoles with a final score of 91-87. This game was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the stark contrast in the teams' recent performances, with Duke entering the contest with a strong record of 13-1, while Florida State struggled with a 7-8 record. Duke's victory not only extended their winning streak to two games but also highlighted their dominance in scoring, averaging 84.7 points per game over their last ten matches.
Duke's recent form has been impressive, with a record of 9-1 in their last ten games, including a victory against Georgia Tech just days before this matchup. They have averaged 84.7 points scored while allowing only 65.7 points, demonstrating a solid offensive and defensive balance. In contrast, Florida State has faced challenges, holding a 4-6 record in their last ten games and averaging 79.9 points scored against 80.6 points allowed. Their last outing resulted in a loss to North Carolina, further emphasizing their struggles.
At home, Florida State has a record of 4-3, while their away record stands at 0-3, indicating difficulties when playing outside of their home venue. Duke, on the other hand, has excelled both at home and on the road, with a home record of 7-1 and an away record of 2-0, showcasing their ability to perform in various environments.
The two teams had met previously in the 2025 season, where Duke triumphed decisively with a score of 100-65, further establishing their dominance in this matchup. The historical context added a layer of pressure for Florida State as they sought to turn the tide in their favor.
In terms of injuries, both teams entered the game with their key players available, which contributed to the competitive nature of the contest. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Duke as significant favorites with a spread of 16.5 points and moneyline odds of -1800, while Florida State was listed at +1000 on the moneyline. The total points set for the game was 163.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair.
The conditions in the Tucker Center were conducive to an exciting game, and the atmosphere was electric as fans witnessed a back-and-forth battle. As the game progressed, key moments included Cameron Boozer's clutch free throws that pushed Duke's lead to 87-82, and Kobe MaGee's three-pointer that momentarily brought Florida State closer at 87-85. Ultimately, Duke's ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities in the closing moments secured their victory.
Viewers were treated to a showcase of talent, with both teams displaying their offensive capabilities. Florida State's scoring average in their last five games was 82.6 points, while Duke's was 79.2, indicating that both teams could put points on the board. The game was a testament to Duke's resilience and Florida State's fighting spirit, making it a compelling fixture in the NCAAB landscape.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DUKE -16.5 | 163.5 o -112 / u -108 | Duke Blue Devils -1800 · Florida State Seminoles +1000 |
Leaders
- PointsChauncey Wiggins22Florida State Seminoles
- AssistsRobert McCray V5Florida State Seminoles
- ReboundsLajae Jones4Florida State Seminoles
- PointsIsaiah Evans28Duke Blue Devils
- AssistsCameron Boozer9Duke Blue Devils
- ReboundsPatrick Ngongba II7Duke Blue Devils
Recent form
Florida State Seminoles
Last 10: 4-6Streak L179.9 scored · 80.6 allowed per game4-3 at home
- L66-79at North Carolina Tar HeelsDec 31
- W87-63vs Jacksonville DolphinsDec 23
- W96-49vs Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsDec 20
- L69-97at Dayton FlyersDec 17
- L95-103vs Massachusetts MinutemenDec 13
- L67-82at Houston CougarsDec 7
- L73-107vs Georgia BulldogsDec 3
- L59-95vs Texas A&M AggiesNov 28
- W89-59vs Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersNov 26
- W98-72vs Georgia Southern EaglesNov 21
Duke Blue Devils
Last 10: 9-1Streak W184.7 scored · 65.7 allowed per game2-0 away
- W85-79vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsDec 31
- L81-82vs Texas Tech Red RaidersDec 21
- W97-73vs Lipscomb BisonsDec 16
- W66-60at Michigan State SpartansDec 6
- W67-66vs Florida GatorsDec 3
- W80-71at Arkansas RazorbacksNov 28
- W93-56vs Howard BisonNov 23
- W100-42vs Niagara Purple EaglesNov 22
- W78-66vs Kansas JayhawksNov 19
- W100-62vs Indiana State SycamoresNov 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Duke Blue Devils | Florida State Seminoles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-53 | 31-58 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 12-27 | 14-30 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 47 |
| Free throws | 23-25 | 11-16 |
| Free throw % | 92 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 24 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 15 |
| Assists | 23 | 17 |
| Steals | 8 | 10 |
| Blocks | 7 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 30 |
| Fouls | 17 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 43 | 49 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half53-54Chauncey Wiggins makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half53-57Kobe MaGee makes 25-foot three point jumper (Robert McCray V assists)
- 2nd Half55-57Cayden Boozer makes layup (Cameron Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half55-59Robert McCray V makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half56-59Cameron Boozer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-59Cameron Boozer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-59Caleb Foster makes layup
- 2nd Half59-61Lajae Jones makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-61Isaiah Evans makes 28-foot three point jumper (Cameron Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half62-63Chauncey Wiggins makes 8-foot jumper (Cam Miles assists)
- 2nd Half65-63Isaiah Evans makes 27-foot three point jumper (Caleb Foster assists)
- 2nd Half68-63Caleb Foster makes 27-foot three point jumper (Nikolas Khamenia assists)
- 2nd Half68-65Kobe MaGee makes layup
- 2nd Half70-65Maliq Brown makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half71-65Dame Sarr makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-65Dame Sarr makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-65Dame Sarr makes 19-foot jumper (Cayden Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half74-67Robert McCray V makes 21-foot jumper
- 2nd Half75-67Cameron Boozer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-69Chauncey Wiggins makes 17-foot turnaround jump shot (Martin Somerville assists)
- 2nd Half75-72Kobe MaGee makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chauncey Wiggins assists)
- 2nd Half77-72Cameron Boozer makes layup (Patrick Ngongba II assists)
- 2nd Half77-73Robert McCray V makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-74Robert McCray V makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-74Isaiah Evans makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-75Chauncey Wiggins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-76Chauncey Wiggins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-76Caleb Foster makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cayden Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half82-78Kobe MaGee makes driving layup
- 2nd Half85-78Isaiah Evans makes 22-foot three point jumper (Cameron Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half85-79Kobe MaGee makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half85-82Robert McCray V makes 26-foot three point jumper (Chauncey Wiggins assists)
- 2nd Half86-82Cameron Boozer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-82Cameron Boozer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half87-85Kobe MaGee makes 27-foot three point jumper (Lajae Jones assists)
- 2nd Half88-85Isaiah Evans makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half89-85Isaiah Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half90-85Caleb Foster makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half91-85Caleb Foster makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half91-87Robert McCray V makes 2-foot dunk
Win probability
Above the line favours Florida State Seminoles, below favours Duke Blue Devils.
Venue
- Tucker CenterTallahassee, FL
- Attendance6097
- OfficialsJustin Porterfield, A.J. Desai, Greg Evans
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Duke Edges Florida State in Thrilling FinishMar 12, 2026