Isaiah Evans' Heroics Lift Duke Past St. John's in Sweet 16

Sophomore guard's 25-point performance proves crucial in Blue Devils' gritty tournament win.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:38am

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Duke sophomore guard Isaiah Evans delivered a standout performance, scoring 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting, to lead the Blue Devils to an 80-75 victory over St. John's in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Evans' scoring, along with his activity on both ends of the floor, proved crucial in helping Duke overcome a tough, physical Red Storm squad and advance to the next round.

Why it matters

Duke's season may have ended prematurely if not for Evans' heroics, as the Blue Devils were already dealing with injuries to key players Patrick Ngongba II and Darren Harris. Evans stepped up when his team needed him most, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways and carry the offense when necessary.

The details

Evans was the driving force behind Duke's offense, knocking down four 3-pointers and also attacking the basket effectively early on to get into a rhythm. His scoring, along with his defensive effort, helped the Blue Devils withstand St. John's physical style of play and secure the hard-fought victory.

  • Duke faced St. John's in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on March 27, 2026.

The players

Isaiah Evans

A sophomore guard for Duke who delivered a standout 25-point performance to lead the Blue Devils to victory over St. John's in the Sweet 16.

Patrick Ngongba II

A Duke player who fought through injury to contribute off the bench in the Sweet 16 matchup against St. John's.

Darren Harris

A Duke guard who praised Evans' performance, saying he was 'built for these moments.'

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What they’re saying

“He was special since the first play. He's built for these moments and he showed it tonight.”

— Darren Harris, Duke Guard

“When I got those three layups, I just got hot, had my way a little bit. I get buckets.”

— Isaiah Evans

What’s next

Duke will advance to the Elite Eight, where they will face the winner of the matchup between Gonzaga and UCLA.

The takeaway

Isaiah Evans' standout performance proved to be the difference-maker for Duke, as his scoring, playmaking, and defensive effort helped the Blue Devils overcome a tough, physical St. John's team and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. Evans' ability to step up in a crucial moment showcases his growth and importance to Duke's success.