Florida State’s women’s basketball team was determined not to let history repeat itself in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals in Greensboro on Friday night. The third-seeded Seminoles held off a late surge to get the better of rival Miami for a third time this season, 73-69.
FSU (25-5) won both regular season match-ups over the Hurricanes by an average margin of 29 points, but the Seminoles also swept Miami during the regular season last season, only to lose to their rival in their first game of the conference tournament. Sixth-seeded Miami again started strong on Friday, but just couldn’t do enough late.
The Hurricanes (22-9) scored the game’s first eight points, but the Seminoles responded to take an 18-14 lead after a quarter. The FSU lead grew to as many as 12 in the second quarter, but an 11-3 Miami run cut the lead to four before an Imani Wright jumper late in the half gave the Seminoles a 36-30 halftime advantage.
FSU built its lead to as many as 17 in the final quarter of the victory. Miami was able to make a late run and cut the FSU lead to three in the final minutes, thanks to a couple of forced turnovers that led to layups and some key FSU miscues, but the Seminoles were able to make enough free throws and stops to get the win.
The Hurricanes will have to wait until Monday to find out their NCAA Tournament fate. Emese Hof finished with a game-high 21 points to lead Miami in the loss. Mykea Gray added 15 points while Erykah Davenport chipped in with 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.
FSU was paced by Wright’s 20-point effort. Chatrice White finished with 12 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Shakayla Thomas and Ama Degbeon each added 10 in the victory.
The Seminoles will move on to face No. 2 seed Notre Dame in the ACC Semifinals on Saturday. The Fighting Irish topped Virginia on Friday, 83-47, and defeated the Seminoles in Tallahassee during the regular season, 100-69.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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