Florida State’s Struggles Continue in ACC Matchup Against Wake Forest

Florida State, under the leadership of Luke Loucks, came into their matchup against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with high hopes of securing its first road and conference win. The Seminoles had previously shown promise, but this game proved to be another tough test in an already challenging season.

The Seminoles started strong, taking an early lead and maintaining a 34-31 advantage at halftime. However, the momentum shifted as turnovers plagued Florida State, allowing Wake Forest to make a comeback. Despite leading by as much as nine points late in the game, a critical turnover by Robert McCray V gave the Demon Deacons a chance to take the lead, which they did with just five seconds left on the clock. Florida State’s final shot fell short, sealing a heartbreaking loss.

With this defeat, Florida State now stands at 7-11 overall and 0-5 in ACC play, continuing a difficult stretch for the team.

First Half: A Back-and-Forth Battle

Florida State began the game with intensity, quickly building an 8-2 lead. However, Wake Forest managed to cut the deficit to one by the 16-minute mark. FSU responded with a three-pointer from Robert McCray, becoming the third player to hit from beyond the arc in the first half. LaJae Jones followed suit, making it 16-9 at the 14:32 mark.

Despite the Seminoles’ early success, Wake Forest found ways to stay in the game. A three-pointer and a dunk off a McCray turnover brought the Demon Deacons within two points, making it 16-14. Cam Miles and AJ Swinton then added more points, pushing FSU ahead 24-16 with 9:41 remaining in the half.

Wake Forest went on an 8-0 run, tying the game at 24. The teams exchanged leads several times before Florida State took a 34-31 lead into halftime. The Seminoles shot 38% from the three-point line and 39% from the field, outrebounding Wake Forest 25-17. The Demon Deacons scored nine points off Florida State turnovers, while the Seminoles scored none.

Second Half: A Tense and Competitive Finish

The second half was just as intense, with both teams trading leads throughout. Florida State briefly led by six, but Wake Forest countered with a 7-0 run to take a 40-39 lead. FSU regained control with a Bassong and-one, but the Demon Deacons built their largest lead of the game at 48-44.

FSU fought back, eventually taking a 50-48 lead off a Chauncey Wiggins jumper. The game remained tightly contested, with the Seminoles never leading by more than three until a Swinton and-one put them up 59-53 at the 7:11 mark.

Despite extending their lead to nine, Florida State failed to pull away completely. With just 1:19 remaining, Wake Forest narrowed the gap to one. In the final minute, Florida State went up by three, but a Wake Forest basket brought the game back to within one. McCray turned the ball over again, giving the Demon Deacons 18 seconds to tie or win the game.

Wake Forest capitalized on the opportunity, hitting a jumper to take a 69-68 lead with five seconds left. Florida State called a timeout and attempted a final shot, but it fell short, ending the game with a loss.

Game Statistics

Here are the key statistics from the game:

• Field Goal Percentage:
• Wake Forest: 41%

• Florida State: 38%

• Field Goals Made:

• Wake Forest: 26-63

• Florida State: 22-58

• Three-Point Percentage:

• Wake Forest: 24%

• Florida State: 23%

• Three-Pointers Made:

• Wake Forest: 8-34

• Florida State: 7-31

• Free Throw Percentage:

• Wake Forest: 75%

• Florida State: 89%

• Free Throws Made:

• Wake Forest: 9-12

• Florida State: 17-19

• Turnovers:

• Wake Forest: 5

• Florida State: 16

• Points Off Turnovers:

• Wake Forest: 18

• Florida State: 8

• Total Rebounds:

• Wake Forest: 28

• Florida State: 44

• Defensive Rebounds:

• Wake Forest: 19

• Florida State: 28

• Offensive Rebounds:

• Wake Forest: 9

• Florida State: 16

• Second Chance Points:

• Wake Forest: 12

• Florida State: 16

• Bench Points:

• Wake Forest: 13

• Florida State: 16

• Points in the Paint:

• Wake Forest: 32

• Florida State: 28

• Fast Break Points:

• Wake Forest: 16

• Florida State: 5

• Blocks:

• Wake Forest: 2

• Florida State: 2

• Steals:

• Wake Forest: 10

• Florida State: 2

• Assists:

• Wake Forest: 8

• Florida State: 10

• Times Tied: 5

• Lead Changes: 11
• Lead Time:
• Wake Forest: 6:33
• Florida State: 27:57

What’s Next for Florida State?

Florida State will look to bounce back when they face Miami on Tuesday, January 20, in Coral Gables at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.