Florida State entered its second ACC matchup of the season looking to bounce back from a deflating loss at No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels, but the Seminoles again came up just short in a hard-fought 91-87 loss to the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils on Saturday in Tallahassee.
After battling through a competitive first half that ended tied 42-42, FSU showed resilience against one of college basketball’s elite programs, pushing Duke down to the final minutes. Despite standout scoring from multiple Seminoles and another spirited effort under coach Luke Loucks, the Blue Devils’ balance and depth ultimately decided the outcome.
FSU (7-8, 0-2 ACC) received major contributions from multiple players. Robert McCray V and Chauncey Wiggins each finished with 22 points, pacing the Seminoles’ offense throughout the afternoon. McCray also added five assists, showcasing his dual role as FSU’s primary facilitator and scorer.
Kobe MaGee chipped in 17 points, with four three-pointers, giving Florida State another reliable offensive option. Martin Somerville scored 10 first-half points, energizing the Seminoles early and helping sustain their competitiveness through the first 20 minutes.
Florida State shot well overall, hitting over 46% from the floor and connecting on 46.7% from three (14-of-30), a strong perimeter performance against a high-caliber Duke defense.
FSU’s ability to score in bunches kept the game tight, particularly after four lead changes and several missed opportunities by Duke early. The Seminoles’ balanced scoring allowed them to stay within striking distance even as Duke countered with consistent offense.
Duke (13-1, 2-0) countered Florida State’s effort with its depth and late-game execution. Isaiah Evans erupted for a career-high 28 points, energizing the Blue Devils’ offense when they needed it most. Cameron Boozer added 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, exemplifying Duke’s multi-faceted attack and ability to create mismatches throughout the game.
Florida State’s performance — staying competitive with one of the ACC’s premier teams — showed promise despite the loss. The Seminoles’ tempo-driven, perimeter-oriented offense and multi-option scoring give them a chance in every game, but limiting turnovers and improving late-game execution will be critical in future league play. FSU will look to build on this effort as ACC competition continues.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU battles No. 6 Duke to the final minutes in second ACC test
Reporting by Brandon Foster, FSU Wire / FSU Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
