It was an absolute March classic in Charlotte tonight as the #8 Florida State Seminoles battled the #1 Duke Blue Devils in a David v Goliath esque showdown.
The Blue Devils, entering at 30-2 and securing the ACC Regular Season title were the clear favorites in the bout, but the Cinderella story of the Seminoles had one final song. In year one of the Luke Loucks era in Tallahassee, the program has been completely rejuvenated, standing at 18-15 and boasting one of the hottest squads in the Tourney. The ‘Noles continued to handle business after defeating California 95-89 last night following a 30 point performance from Robert McCray V.
Entering tonight as 18 point underdogs, Florida State set out to do the impossible. FSU battled twelve rounds in the ring, hearing no bell, and making the impossible possible. The Seminoles would give Duke their biggest scare of the season, leading for just over 14 minutes, with a largest lead of 8. March McCray would once again throw down a generational performance, recording 25 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Florida native LaJae Jones would supplement by producing his best performance of Conference play, recording 28 points and 5 rebounds including a perfect 8/8 from the free throw line.
As for Duke, the legend of Cameron Boozer continues to be written, as the Miami native ACC Player of the Year recorded a 23 point 10 rebound double-double. While Boozer certainly is spectacular, Isaiah Evans stole the show with a 32 point, 6 rebound and 3 assist performance.
When the lights of March get bright, heroes are born in the moment. With 37 minutes remaining in this clash of unordinary titans, Florida State’s Chauncey Wiggins would knock down a stepback jumper to cut Duke’s lead 80-79. As the Blue Devils drove down the court, the always reliable Boozer found the ball in his hands and looked to ice the game, but was ultimately blocked and recovered by Alex Stein of the Seminoles with 8 seconds remaining in the contest.
With one last life, everything on the line FSU would entrust their superstar Robert McCray to fly down the court and silence Charlotte. McCray stepped back behind the 3 point line, broke the ankles of his defender and shot a beautiful ball….that would clank off the rim, just barely missing as the buzzer sounded. It was a moment of relief and resolve for the Duke faithful, but for Florida State this moment of agony will disgustingly marinate over the course of the off-season.
A season of so many highs, low lows, learning moments and impressive wins is presumably over, but the future couldn’t be brighter. While Florida State is certainly eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, all the Seminoles can do now is pray that the selection committee of the NIT Tournament finds favor in the new era of FSU Hoops.
As for Duke, the Blue Devils now stand at 114-47 in ACC Tournament play, advancing to the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament semifinals for the 51st time. In their first 50 semifinal trips, the Blue Devils are 36-14 (per the ACC). The Blue Devils will face the winner of UNC and Clemson tomorrow night, tip off is slated for 9:30 PM EST
