What an opening statement for the Noles. Florida State basketball punched its ticket to the ACC Tournament quarterfinals Wednesday night in Charlotte, knocking off California 95-89 in a game that was never really as close as the final score suggests. The Noles led for over 32 minutes, built a lead as large as 22, and held on through a late Cal surge to move on to the next round. Up next: a date with No. 1 seed Duke tomorrow night at 7 pm. But we’ll get there.
I don’t know if there is 25 teams playing better than Florida State right now – HC Luke Loucks on FSU’s tournament hopes.
Robert McCray V Was Cooking
Make no mistake, this was Robert McCray V’s night. The guard went for 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field, knocked down four of seven three-point attempts, and handed out eight assists against just three turnovers. He was the engine of everything FSU did offensively. McCray finished a thunderous dunk after a steal in open court, knocked down pull-up jumpers, made plays in transition, and kept the offense humming every time Cal threatened to make things interesting. Honestly, that was a star-level performance on a stage that matters.
Kobe Magee was a force off the bench in the first half, knocking down four of five three-point attempts to finish with 13 points on the night. His contributions in those early minutes helped FSU build a cushion that ultimately proved to be the difference. Alex Steen quietly put together a really solid game as well, going for 8 points with 8 rebounds and providing the physical interior presence the Noles needed.
First Half: FSU Sets the Tone Early
California actually took the early lead, jumping out 9-2 on the strength of some sloppy Nole possessions before FSU got its feet under it. What happened next was a masterclass in taking a game over. McCray drained a three to cut it to four, and then Magee started going nuclear from beyond the arc. Three triples from Magee in the first half, assisted by Martin Somerville’s sharp playmaking, helped FSU flip the game on its head.
By the 10-minute mark of the first half, the Noles had pushed ahead 22-15, and Cal was already calling a timeout, trying to slow the bleeding. FSU’s 12 points off turnovers in that opening half told the story. The Noles were active, the defense was creating havoc, and the offense was converting. FSU took a 46-32 lead into the break, shooting 53% from the floor and 50% from three.
Second Half: FSU Goes Up 22, Cal Makes It Interesting
The second half started with both teams trading blows before FSU went on a run that stretched the lead to 22 points (72-50) with about 12 minutes left. The Noles were in complete control. LаJae Jones was a terror in the paint all night, finishing with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including two big dunks that got the Charlotte crowd buzzing. Chauncey Wiggins added 14 points and hit a pair of big threes.
But Cal just wouldn’t go away. Dai Dai Ames, who finished with a team-high 27 points, got hot in the final seven minutes, and suddenly what felt like a comfortable win turned into a bit of a white-knuckle finish. After the UVA game slipping away late and the same thing almost happening against Pitt, it was a restless final few minutes for everyone in garnet and gold.
The Bears rattled off a string of buckets and cut the deficit to six with seven seconds left, but by then FSU had done enough damage. The Noles converted at the free-throw line when it mattered and didn’t let Cal get close enough to hurt them. Final: 95-89, Florida State. According to FSU sports media, 95 points is the most FSU has scored in the ACC Tournament in program history.
FSU shot 57.4% from the floor for the game and 46.4% from three. The bench delivered 20 points. The Noles generated 20 points off Cal turnovers and held the upper hand in paint points (40 to 34). This was a thorough performance from a team that clearly came to Charlotte ready to compete.
Up Next: Duke, Under the Lights in Prime Time
The Noles don’t get a chance to exhale. Tomorrow night at 7 pm, Florida State goes toe-to-toe with the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils in what will be one of the marquee matchups of the entire ACC Tournament. It doesn’t get bigger than this. FSU will need McCray to be a star again, the bench to keep delivering, and the defense to be sharper than it was in that second-half stretch when Cal found its footing.
FSU faced in early January in Tallahassee, and while Duke did get the win, a Noles team that was still finding its way pushed them to the finish line, losing by a slim four-point margin. The Blue Devils will be without two starters this time around, so the Noles could seriously pull this off if they bring the heat as they did vs Cal and play a complete game.
Just another opportunity for us. We’ve been waiting for this one. As you know, we played them at home, lost by 4. But yeah, we’ve been waiting for this, and we’re ready. – Robert McCray V on facing No. 1 Duke.
Luke Loucks and the Noles are creating belief and coming in with real momentum. This would be a massive statement for the Noles on the biggest stage against a national power. But tonight, we enjoy the Cal win, which was only FSU’s second ACC Tournament win in the past 5 seasons. See you at the Spectrum Center tomorrow night. Thanks for reading and Go Noles!