Florida State basketball notched their first win over a ranked opponent on Friday night, defeating the No. 19 LSU Tigers 79-76 in the AdvoCare Invitational.
The first half was a sloppy affair from both teams, for different reasons. LSU shot well from the field (45 percent) and caught FSU off guard with their pace, as well as threatening inside when Koumadje was on the bench. But the Tigers’ style of play was interfered with by the FSU defense provoking nine turnovers. However, the Seminoles could only convert that to eight points.
The difference came from guard M.J. Walker. The sophomore led all scorers at half with 13 points, thanks to his 3-for-5 mark from 3-point range. No other FSU player had more than four points. Terance Mann was especially cold and shot 0-for-6 from the floor.
On the LSU side, forward Naz Reid brought the scoring with seven points. Guard Skyler Mays chipped in six of his own.
At half, FSU held a slight 30-29 lead despite shooting less than 35 percent overall.
Neither team was able to break their trend in the second half. Florida State continued their shooting struggles while LSU could not run their fast-paced offense consistently.
Mays started the second half on a hot streak and made his first three shots to pull LSU ahead. Florida State did not go quietly, as once again it was M.J. Walker sparking the offense. Redshirt freshman RaiQuan Gray played more in the second half and even scored five points in the first eight minutes. However, a third foul on Mann early in the half meant that the Seminoles were without his presence for extended periods of time.
From there on out, it was a game of scoring runs. LSU looked like they were going to take over with an 8-0 run, but FSU responded with a 6-0 run of their own. Still, the Tigers always seemed to be one step ahead of the Seminoles, and they found great success in forcing the FSU defenders close to the paint. They took advantage by shooting 6-for-12 from the 3-point line in the second half.
The Seminoles made it a thriller at the end of regulation when they went on a 7-0 run that pulled them to within three points. LSU scored to make it 67-63, but M.J. Walker hit another three to make it 67-66 with under 20 seconds left. LSU had an 1-and-1 opportunity with around 10 seconds left to try and increase their lead. They hit just one, and FSU had the chance to tie.
As he has done before, Trent Forrest took the ball and had a masterful drive towards the rim. He went straight to the front of the rim and rolled it in, guaranteeing an overtime in Orlando.
The overtime session started in Florida State’s favor. Mfiondu Kabengele scored down low to go up two, and then M.J. Walker hit yet another three to take a five point lead. But it was the Tigers who had the response this time, and they made it 75-75 with a couple of beautiful shots.
Defensive rebounding started to disappear on both ends of the court. Each of LSU and FSU recorded multiple offensive rebounds in the final two minutes of a close game. The Seminoles benefitted more from the boards and took a 76-73 lead with 15 seconds left. A bad foul by Anthony Polite gave LSU three shots on the free throw line. The Tigers made all three.
Kabengele turned out to be the hero of the game. The Seminoles ran down the floor and found him open in the corner for a 3-point shot. The ball initially appeared short, as it hit nearside rim. But it proceeded to bounce forward and somehow fall into the net, putting FSU up 79-76 with less than a second remaining. LSU could not find an opportunity at the end and the Seminoles walked out with a victory.
Walker led all FSU players with 21 points, while also contributing five rebounds and three steals. Behind him was Kabengele with 15 points. Terance Mann was the leading rebounder with 12.
Mays was the leading LSU scorer at 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Guard Ja’vonte Smart contributed 16 points as well.
Florida State will go on to face the defending national champion Villanova Wildcats on Sunday afternoon. LSU will square off against Oklahoma State, also on Sunday afternoon.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login