Duke’s Evans Exposes Free-Throw Struggles

Duke has consistently struggled at the stripe in big games throughout the season. It cost the team a win at Madison Square Garden over No. 15 Texas Tech, as the Blue Devils shot just 17-of-29 (59%) from the line, with several missed front ends of one-and-ones down the stretch. Duke lost that game 82-81.

Although it's only cost the team one game so far this season, a lack of improvement in that aspect of the game could become catastrophic come postseason time.

Duke Has Left Tons of Points on the Table

Duke currently ranks 230th nationally according to KenPom in free throw percentage at 70.8% despite sitting 12th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. Why it hasn't become a huge area of concern is that the Blue Devils have been dominant in the free throw attempt category throughout the season compared to their opponents.

The Blue Devils have attempted 428 free throws this season, which ranks second in the ACC. They've allowed opponents to shoot a total of 247 free throws, which is the least of any ACC squad. This makes Duke a whopping +181 in free throw attempts on its opponents this season.

But it's the makes that have been the issue. Despite shooting the second-most free throws in the conference, Duke has only made 303. That's still third in the ACC, but that's a total of 125 points left on the table. Duke's opponent have made 180 free throws against it so far.

So, despite taking 181 more total free throws than its opponents through the 2025-26 campaign, Duke has only made 123 more than its opponents.

Isaiah Evans Gives His Reasoning for Free Throw Struggles

After the win over the Golden Bears, Duke's sophomore sharpshooter pleaded his case for why the team has been struggling at the line.

"That Evolution ball, it's not my favorite," Evans said. "I wouldn't lie to you, I wouldn't make no excuses. You know, we love that Nike ball. But, you know, obviously we just got to play through it."

Duke is a Nike-sponsored program and uses the Nike Elite ball at home games, but the Wilson EVO NXT ball is the official game ball for the NCAA Men's and Women's Championships. California uses the Wilson NXT EVO, and the Blue Devils went just 8-of-17 (47%) from the charity stripe.

Whether the Blue Devils like the Wilson ball or not, it will be the ball used throughout the entire NCAA Tournament. Duke will have to adjust and find some sort of rhythm with it in order to not let the free throw line dictate how far it can go in the big dance.

As always, make sure you stay up to date with all Duke content by following us on Facebook, by clicking HERE, and following us on X (formerly Twitter) HERE.

• Duke Extends Offer to 4-Star 2027 Quarterback
• How Duke Found Its Offensive Key Against Cal
• How Duke Players Cold-Plunged Into West Coast Mindset
• Jon Scheyer Has Message for Duke Basketball Faithful
• Why Steph Curry Confesses to Duke Basketball Fandom