The Florida State Seminoles (12-2, 1-1 ACC) pulled off an 81-80 upset over the North Carolina Tar Heels (12-3, 1-1 ACC) in Tallahassee on Wednesday night.
FSU began the game shooting lights out from behind the arc. Six different Seminoles hit 3-pointers, and the team as a whole went 9-for-20 in the half. North Carolina was able to stay in it by battling down low and exploiting FSU struggles at defending the basket.
Despite this, the Seminoles actually scored more second chance points (12 vs. 10) compared to the overall offensive rebounding numbers (8 vs. 11). FSU led 51-40 when the teams went to the locker room for halftime.
The second half began much more in favor of North Carolina. This time, it began attacking the basket from the get go, and the Seminoles struggled to defend the outside shots that resulted from the defense crashing. With under 12 minutes to go, the Tar Heels retook the lead 60-59. North Carolina point guard Joel Berry II began exhibiting superstar qualities with 21 points in the second half alone.
The teams traded baskets for the next few minutes. FSU showed impressive finishing abilities as well, provoking UNC into fouls underneath the rim. A mix of key shots from guards M.J. Walker and Terance Mann helped the Seminoles once again take a multi-possession lead as time began to dwindle down.
Ahead 81-77 with under a minute to go, C.J. Walker made an errant pass across the court that North Carolina forward Theo Pinson quickly pounced on. Berry took position for a three, and the score was a slim 81-80 lead for FSU. Two Phil Cofer missed free throws then allowed North Carolina to regain possession for another shot.
Berry’s attempt was off the mark and Mann got fouled going for the rebound. Mann proceeded to miss both free throws, but North Carolina’s last second heave fell short. The Seminoles won their 28th straight home game and snapped a 7-game losing streak to the Tar Heels.
Braian Angola played an excellent game for Florida State, accounting for 20 points, five rebounds, and two assists in the contest. Right behind him was M.J. Walker (18 points, 4-for-6 from 3-point range) and Terance Mann (17 points, nine rebounds, five assists).
Berry finished with a game-high 28 points of his own. Kenny Williams followed him up with 18 points and seven rebounds. Despite out-rebounding the Seminoles 41-37, the Tar Heels scored fewer second chance points.
Florida State travels down to Coral Gables to face off against the rival Miami Hurricanes on Sunday night. The Hurricanes are ranked No. 15 in the nation.
North Carolina also travels for its next game, but this time, it will head to Charlottesville to take on the No. 8 Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday afternoon.
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