Duke Edges Florida State in Thrilling Finish
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Spectrum Center
Duke Blue Devils 80, Florida State Seminoles 79, 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 Florida State Seminoles vs Duke Blue Devils?
Duke Blue Devils beat Florida State Seminoles 80-79 at Spectrum Center on March 12, 2026.
Who was favored in Florida State Seminoles vs Duke Blue Devils?
Duke Blue Devils were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -2100 (about 95% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Duke Blue Devils narrowly defeated the Florida State Seminoles 80-79 at the Spectrum Center. This game showcased the intensity and skill of both teams, with Duke continuing its impressive run in the NCAAB season. The Blue Devils, boasting a formidable home record of 30-2, have been a dominant force, especially at home where they hold a perfect 6-0 record in their last games at the venue. Their recent form has been stellar, winning nine of their last ten games, including an eight-game winning streak leading into this contest. During this stretch, Duke averaged 78.7 points per game while allowing only 58.7, demonstrating their strong defensive capabilities alongside their offensive prowess.
Florida State, with an overall record of 18-15, has also shown resilience, winning eight of their last ten games, including a four-game winning streak before facing Duke. The Seminoles have averaged 79.6 points per game during this period, but they have also allowed an average of 74.1 points, indicating some defensive vulnerabilities. Their away record stands at 5-0 in their last five games, showing they can perform well outside their home arena.
In their previous meetings, Duke has had the upper hand against Florida State, winning both encounters this season. The first matchup on January 3, 2026, ended with Duke triumphing 91-87, while their earlier meeting on March 2, 2025, saw Duke dominate with a 100-65 victory. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, with Florida State looking to break the trend.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams have managed to maintain a relatively healthy roster throughout the season, allowing them to field strong lineups. The betting market reflected Duke's dominance, with DraftKings setting the spread at -16.5 in favor of the Blue Devils, while the moneyline was priced at -2100 for Duke and +1100 for Florida State. The total for the game was set at 150.5, indicating expectations of a competitive scoring affair.
The conditions of the game were favorable for both teams, with no adverse weather or venue issues reported. Fans were treated to a thrilling atmosphere, with Duke's home crowd providing significant support.
As the game unfolded, key moments included several scoring plays that highlighted the offensive talents of both teams. Lajae Jones of Florida State made critical three-pointers, while Duke's Isaiah Evans contributed with a significant jumper. The game remained close throughout, with both teams exchanging leads in the final minutes. Ultimately, Duke's ability to execute under pressure and maintain composure in the closing moments secured their victory.
Viewers were captivated by the back-and-forth nature of the game, with each possession becoming increasingly crucial as the clock wound down. The final moments saw Duke hold a slim lead, with Florida State making a valiant effort to reclaim the advantage. However, Duke's defense held firm, ensuring their victory in a nail-biting finish.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DUKE -16.5 | 150.5 o -110 / u -110 | Florida State Seminoles +1100 · Duke Blue Devils -2100 |
Leaders
- PointsIsaiah Evans32Duke Blue Devils
- AssistsCameron Boozer4Duke Blue Devils
- ReboundsMaliq Brown12Duke Blue Devils
- PointsLajae Jones28Florida State Seminoles
- AssistsRobert McCray V4Florida State Seminoles
- ReboundsAlex Steen8Florida State Seminoles
Recent form
Duke Blue Devils
Last 10: 9-1Streak W878.7 scored · 58.7 allowed per game6-0 at home
- W76-61vs North Carolina Tar HeelsMar 7
- W93-64at NC State WolfpackMar 3
- W77-51vs Virginia CavaliersFeb 28
- W100-56at Notre Dame Fighting IrishFeb 25
- W68-63vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 21
- W101-64vs Syracuse OrangeFeb 17
- W67-54vs Clemson TigersFeb 14
- W70-54at Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 11
- L68-71at North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 7
- W67-49vs Boston College EaglesFeb 4
Florida State Seminoles
Last 10: 8-2Streak W479.6 scored · 74.1 allowed per game5-0 away
- W95-89vs California Golden BearsMar 11
- W91-78vs SMU MustangsMar 7
- W75-74at Pittsburgh PanthersMar 5
- W80-71at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 28
- L73-83vs Miami HurricanesFeb 25
- W70-65at Clemson TigersFeb 21
- W80-72vs Boston College EaglesFeb 17
- W92-69at Virginia Tech HokiesFeb 14
- L58-61vs Virginia CavaliersFeb 11
- W82-79at Notre Dame Fighting IrishFeb 7
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 | Florida State Seminoles | Duke Blue Devils |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-54 | 28-64 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 11-28 | 10-34 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 29 |
| Free throws | 12-18 | 14-23 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 61 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 46 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 22 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 24 |
| Assists | 10 | 17 |
| Steals | 11 | 7 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 34 |
| Fouls | 19 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 16 | 16 |
| Time in front | 35 | 55 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half42-42Cameron Boozer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half42-43Cameron Boozer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half44-43Robert McCray V makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half47-43Chauncey Wiggins makes 25-foot three pointer (Robert McCray V assists)
- 2nd Half47-45Maliq Brown makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half47-46Cayden Boozer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-47Cayden Boozer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-47Robert McCray V makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-47Robert McCray V makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-49Cameron Boozer makes layup (Isaiah Evans assists)
- 2nd Half51-49Robert McCray V makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-49Robert McCray V makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-49Robert McCray V makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot (Alex Steen assists)
- 2nd Half54-51Nikolas Khamenia makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-51Chauncey Wiggins makes 13-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half59-51Robert McCray V makes 25-foot three point jumper (Martin Somerville assists)
- 2nd Half59-53Cameron Boozer makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half59-56Cameron Boozer makes 26-foot three point jumper (Maliq Brown assists)
- 2nd Half59-58Isaiah Evans makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-58Thomas Bassong makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-60Dame Sarr makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-62Maliq Brown makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-64Isaiah Evans makes driving layup (Dame Sarr assists)
- 2nd Half61-67Isaiah Evans makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cameron Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half61-69Cayden Boozer makes driving layup (Cameron Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half61-70Cayden Boozer makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-70Robert McCray V makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-72Cameron Boozer makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-72Lajae Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-72Lajae Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-72Lajae Jones makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-75Cameron Boozer makes 30-foot three point jumper (Nikolas Khamenia assists)
- 2nd Half70-75Lajae Jones makes 27-foot three point jumper (Robert McCray V assists)
- 2nd Half72-75Robert McCray V makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-78Isaiah Evans makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cayden Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half75-78Lajae Jones makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half76-78Lajae Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-78Lajae Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-80Cayden Boozer makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half79-80Chauncey Wiggins makes 13-foot step back jumpshot
Win probability
Above the line favours Duke Blue Devils, below favours Florida State Seminoles.
Venue
- Spectrum CenterCharlotte, NC
- OfficialsRon Groover, Justin Porterfield, Tommy Morrissey
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Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Duke Edges Florida State in Close ContestJan 3, 2026