Florida State Triumphs Over California in ACC Tournament
In an electrifying second round of the ACC Tournament, Florida State triumphed over California with a score of 95-89, propelling the Seminoles into a quarterfinal clash against the top-seeded Duke on Thursday.
Star Performers
Robert McCray V emerged as the star of the evening, pouring in an impressive 30 points, showcasing his skills with a spectacular windmill dunk following a steal. Other notable contributors included:
- Lajae Jones – 15 points
- Chauncey Wiggins – 14 points
- Kobe MaGee – 13 points (all scored in a dazzling first half)
California’s Efforts
On the opposing side, California, seeded ninth, attempted to make a comeback but fell short despite strong performances from their key players:
- Dai Dai Ames – 27 points
- Chris Bell – 17 points
- Justin Pippen – 15 points
- John Camden – 11 points
- Lee Dort – career-high 18 rebounds
Game Highlights
The game began with California taking an early lead at 9-2, but Florida State quickly regrouped. The Seminoles mounted a formidable 13-4 scoring run, taking the lead for good when MaGee hit a 3-pointer with just over 12 minutes to go in the first half. By halftime, Florida State had established a commanding 46-32 lead, benefiting from efficient shooting that saw them net 53% of their attempts, including 7-of-14 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, California struggled, shooting only 41% overall, with a dismal 27% from 3-point range in the first half.
As the second half unfolded, Florida State continued to maintain their advantage, widening the gap to 56-39 with 16 minutes left on the clock. The victory marks a significant turnaround for the Seminoles, who have now won 11 out of their last 14 matchups against ACC rivals after a challenging start to the conference season.
Conversely, California must now await Selection Sunday as they look to secure their tournament spot, having lost three of their last four games.
