The Seminoles can now celebrate victory No. 1 in Atlantic Coast Conference play -- ousting rival Miami.
Florida State men's basketball walked into the Watsco Center as a massive 11.5-point underdog -- and as a team still seeking its first conference win.
Robert McCray V made sure his Seminoles would finally feel victory No. 1 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
McCray V hit two free throws with 1.7 seconds left that made all the difference, as FSU took the 65-63 win over Miami on Tuesday night.
And for the Hurricanes, this became the second biggest heartbreaking loss already this week. Only this time FSU handed Miami a basketball defeat nearly 24 hours after Indiana denied Hurricanes football the national title.
McCray started the scoring too at the 19:30 mark off his driving layup. Thomas Bassong followed through his own drive to the hoop that made it 4-2.
FSU later found itself down 19-13 in the middle of the first. Alex Steen cut the lead with attacking the basket on his layup. Lajae Jones threw down one dunk that sliced the lead at two.
Miami managed to lead by six twice before the 'Noles kept chipping away. McCray hit a seven-foot floating jump shot that made it 36-35 with Miami still ahead. Kobe MaGee, however, banked a 24-foot three-pointer as the final buzzer sounded off -- handing the 'Noles the 38-37 halftime lead.
The first half alone saw four different lead changes and the game tied up on five occasions. But the 'Noles outscored Miami 12-4 to close out the first half.
Florida State to its credit kept the game close throughout the evening -- with the biggest second half deficit only six. The Seminoles, meanwhile, led by no more than five during the final quarter.
FSU shot 45.3% from the floor and 35.3% on perimeter shooting. They were even more efficient at the white stripe -- hitting 73.3%.
The reserves handed the 'Noles additional efficiency, with 20 total points there. Martin Sommerville scored nine points to lead the bench players. MaGee dropped six off the bench -- both from behind the arc.
McCray led all scorers with 20, hitting seven field goals and six free throws. Chauncey Wiggins added 10 for the 'Noles while Bassong dropped eight.
The win now makes FSU 8-11 overall but hands head coach Luke Loucks his first-ever ACC win. The 35-year-old returned to his alma mater after winning two NBA titles as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors.
Florida State also overcomes narrow losses to Wake Forest and Syracuse amid the now snapped losing streak.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our NOLES ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected.