Well it could be worse, you know, in theory
Florida State (7-7, 0-1 ACC), after winning two straight after a miserable first half of December, opened its first game in ACC play of 2025 against the No. 12-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (13-1, 1-0 ACC).
North Carolina, which was undefeated at home this season, was looking to extend their streak and start off ACC play with a victory. Meanwhile, for Florida State, they look to upset the Tar Heels on the road for the first time since 2001. It was not enough, as the Seminoles led for just five out of 40 minutes. North Carolina would run away with this one, 79-66.
First Half
The Seminoles started out with a 7-3 lead before the Tar Heels woke up and went on an 8-0 run. Throughout the first half, Florida State kept it very close, and it never got out of hand. The largest lead of the half was North Carolina with a 12-point lead, 37-25. It was largely on the back of F Caleb Wilson, who scored 14 points in the first half alone, along with nine rebounds.
Florida State actually outscored North Carolina in three pointers, with the Seminoles making five of seven and the Tar Heels only making four of 15. Loucks’ style of play contributed to this, as the team is third in the country for three-point attempts. Turnovers ultimately made the Tar Heels lead, with six of them committed by the Seminoles compared to North Carolina’s three. Florida State managed to go on a bit of a run towards the end of the half, with three consecutive three-pointers. Kobe MaGee was a perfect three for three on his triples. At halftime, it was North Carolina leading 40-34.
Second Half
It all fell apart in the second half, as North Carolina would go on an eye-watering 18-3 run in the beginning. Most noteworthy, though, the Seminoles still maintained their lead in the three-point department, with 23.8% compared to 21.4%. This quarter was largely led by both the aforementioned Seth Trimble and Henri Vassaar, with 10 and 12 points, respectively.
After Chauncey Wiggins hit a three to make it a 10-point game, with North Carolina up 69-59, the Seminoles would finish the game trying to play catch-up. Free throws hurt in the second half, as Florida State was just three for seven in that department, and just eight for 14 overall for a percentage of 57.1%. North Carolina outclassed them in that, and virtually all categories except threes, with the latter’s percentage being 70% on free throws. In the triples realm, the Seminoles managed a 23.8 2nd-half percentage compared to North Carolina’s 21.4.
Fun note, Florida State would end the game on a revenge three after North Carolina extended their lead to 16. The final score of 79-66 doesn’t feel like that bad of a loss, especially against a quadrant 1 opponent. A quality loss, as they say.
Player of the Game
It wasn’t a pretty game by any stretch of the imagination, but I think Chauncey Wiggins takes this one, with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three triples made.
What’s Next?
The Seminoles fall to 7-7 to begin their ACC conference play for the 2025 season. The Seminoles are hosting Duke to begin January, and you can catch that game on January 3rd at 3:45 PM ET from Tallahassee. The game will be aired on CBS.
Category: General Sports
