Noles Soar on Senior Day: FSU Triumphs Over Miami

In a riveting ACC showdown, Florida State University’s men’s basketball team secured a memorable 83-75 victory over their bitter rivals from South Florida, the Miami Hurricanes, on a historic Senior Day. The Seminoles’ performance was nothing short of remarkable, with senior sharpshooter Darin Green Jr. tying his career-high by draining an incredible eight three-pointers, while Jamir Watkins dominated the paint with a stellar double-double.

The game commenced with a flurry of long-range attempts from both sides, as the Seminoles and Hurricanes traded three-point salvos in the opening minutes. However, it was Watkins who set the tone early, registering a steal and throwing down a thunderous dunk on FSU’s first possession. The ‘Noles continued their barrage from beyond the arc, with Green Jr. and Watkins connecting on multiple triples to seize an early 11-10 advantage.

As the first half unfolded, the contest remained a tightly contested affair, with neither team able to establish a commanding lead. Florida State’s disruptive defense was a constant thorn in Miami’s side, forcing turnovers on a staggering 35% of the Hurricanes’ possessions in the opening 18 minutes. However, the Seminoles’ shooting woes prevented them from capitalizing fully on these opportunities, as they struggled to find their rhythm from the field and beyond the arc.

With the game hanging in the balance at 33-32 in the final minute of the first half, FSU seized control. Primo Spears’ aggressive take to the hoop and a clutch alley-oop from Spears to Cameron Corhen just before the halftime buzzer propelled the Seminoles to a 37-32 lead at the break.

The second half witnessed a rollercoaster of momentum swings, as both teams traded blows in a relentless pursuit of victory. Miami briefly reclaimed the lead, exploiting FSU’s defensive lapses and offensive rebounding struggles. However, Green Jr. remained locked in from long range, burying two more triples to recapture the advantage for the Seminoles.

As the game entered its final stretch, Florida State’s depth and resilience proved pivotal. Contributions from Warley, Corhen, and the ever-present Watkins propelled the Seminoles on a decisive run, stretching their lead to 68-60 with just over six minutes remaining. Despite Miami’s valiant efforts to claw back into contention, FSU’s poise at the free-throw line and Watkins’ emphatic one-handed tomahawk slam sealed the deal, allowing the Seminoles to celebrate their seniors in style.

Watkins’ stat line was nothing short of monstrous, as the versatile big man tallied 16 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals in a complete performance. Warley and Corhen also made significant contributions, combining for 23 points while providing stout defense and invaluable leadership on the court.

As the regular season draws to a close, Florida State now turns its attention to the looming ACC Tournament, set to commence on March 12th at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. With momentum on their side and a talented roster brimming with confidence, the Seminoles will undoubtedly be a formidable force to be reckoned with in the postseason.