In a thrilling ACC showdown on January 3, 2026, the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils escaped Tallahassee with a hard-fought 91-87 victory over the Florida State Seminoles, but the real drama unfolded in the post-game moments.

Reports emerged of heated words exchanged between Florida State senior guard Robert McCray V and Duke freshman sensation Cameron Boozer, sparking widespread discussion across college basketball circles.

McCray V, visibly frustrated after the narrow defeat, allegedly questioned the legitimacy of Duke’s win, calling their style of play “cowardly” and accusing them of deliberately disrupting the Seminoles’ rhythm.

The game itself was a classic high-scoring battle, with both teams showcasing offensive firepower. Duke improved to 13-1 overall and 2-0 in ACC play, while Florida State fell to around 7-8 and 0-2 in conference.

Isaiah Evans led the Blue Devils with a career-high 28 points, including six three-pointers, stepping up big when Cameron Boozer faced heavy defensive attention. Boozer, despite being double-teamed for much of the night, contributed 17 points, a season-high nine assists, five rebounds, and four steals.

His clutch free throws in the final seconds sealed the deal, as Duke went an impressive 23-of-25 from the line compared to Florida State’s 11-of-16.

For the Seminoles, Robert McCray V and Chauncey Wiggins each poured in 22 points, with McCray adding key assists and deep threes to keep FSU in contention. Kobe MaGee chipped in around 17 points, highlighted by late-game heroics that cut the deficit to two points.

The game was tied at halftime 42-42, and the second half featured multiple lead changes, including a 19-6 Duke run that seemed to put it away before FSU battled back.

According to sources close to the locker room area, McCray V’s frustration boiled over shortly after the final buzzer. “Is this what you call a victory? It’s truly embarrassing!” he reportedly said, directing his comments toward the Duke bench.

He criticized the Blue Devils’ approach, claiming it was “hèn nhát” – or cowardly – relying heavily on drawing fouls, slowing the pace, and disrupting Florida State’s fast-breaking rhythm rather than competing in open play.

McCray believed this tactic prevented the Seminoles from playing their preferred up-tempo style, which had kept them competitive despite being underdogs.

Just five minutes later, Cameron Boozer, the 18-year-old phenom and projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, delivered a cold, calculated response. Eyewitness accounts describe Boozer’s retort as sharp and unyielding, with words that cut deep into McCray’s pride.

While exact quotes from Boozer remain unconfirmed in official interviews, the exchange reportedly left McCray speechless and stunned, highlighting the intense rivalry brewing in the ACC.

This incident has ignited debates online and among analysts about gamesmanship in college basketball. Duke’s heavy reliance on free throws – attempting nearly twice as many as FSU – has been a point of contention.

Critics argue it’s a smart strategy under coach Jon Scheyer, exploiting mismatches and drawing contact, especially with Boozer’s size and skill inside. Supporters of McCray V, however, see it as avoiding true competition, particularly in a game where field goal percentages were nearly even.

Cameron Boozer has been the story of the season for Duke. Averaging around 23.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game entering the matchup, he’s drawn comparisons to legends and established himself as a National Player of the Year frontrunner.

Facing constant double-teams from FSU, Boozer shifted to a facilitator role, dishing out assists that opened up shots for teammates like Evans. His composure under pressure, including those game-sealing free throws, underscored why he’s considered generational talent.

On the Florida State side, McCray V has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season. As the team’s leading scorer and assist man, his 22-point outburst showed his ability to carry the load.

The Seminoles’ pressure defense and three-point shooting kept them in games against top opponents, but inconsistencies at the line and in closing out close contests have been recurring issues.

The alleged trash talk adds fuel to an already heated ACC landscape. Duke, with their loaded freshman class including Boozer and his twin brother Cayden, is seen as a title contender. Florida State, rebuilding under pressure, is fighting for relevance in a tough conference.

Incidents like this remind fans of the passion in college hoops – where emotions run high, and words can sting as much as a loss.

Social media exploded following the reports, with hashtags like #DukeFSUBeef and #BoozerVsMcCray trending. Fans debated whether McCray’s comments were sour grapes or valid critique, while others praised Boozer’s icy demeanor as a sign of maturity beyond his years.

No official statements have been released by either program, and post-game press conferences focused on the game’s competitiveness rather than any altercation.

As the season progresses, this matchup could have lingering effects. Duke heads into tougher road tests, while Florida State looks to bounce back against NC State. If these teams meet again in the ACC Tournament, expect fireworks.

College basketball thrives on rivalries, and this exchange between a veteran guard and a rising star has given fans plenty to talk about.

In the end, victories are defined on the scoreboard, but moments like these define legacies. Cameron Boozer’s response, described as piercing and unrelenting, may have silenced McCray in the moment, but it has amplified the conversation around both players.

Whether this sparks motivation or fades away, it’s a reminder that in high-stakes college basketball, the battles extend beyond the court.