Florida State Seminoles hosted Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Tuck Center this Saturday for their second meeting of the season. Leading into this weekend’s games, ESPN is projecting that five teams from the ACC will earn a spot in the tournament.  Wake Forest would be the fifth team, leaving FSU out.  The importance of the event could be felt in the arena.  An added importance throughout the game was the honoring of nearly 100 FSU alumni basketball players from the past 75 years and the retiring of George McCloud’s #21 jersey. 

FSU stepped onto the court touting a seven-game home winning streak and capitalized on Wake Forest turnovers early in the game.  Wake Forest led at the half with a score of 25 to 21. Senior Daivien Williams led Wake Forest’s scoring in the first half, ending with 13 points. Harrison Prieto, who is in his sixth season as a Seminole, led FSU’s scoring with 7 points and 9 rebounds for the first half.  

Wake Forest led the second half as well.  Alondes Williams earned the team’s top scorer with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.  Junior Jake LaRavia came in a close second with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists.  

FSU freshman Matthew Cleveland’s dunk late in the second half re-energized the Seminole’s scoring.  Cleveland ended with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists.  Teammate Caleb Mills led the team with 15 points, and Harrison Prieto ended with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 1 assist. Players stepped up to fill the void of four starters out with injuries,  but FSU’s scoring was not enough to take down Wake Forest (68 – 60).  

Coach Hamilton said they are staying focused and have to “keep positive and not let the challenges of the injuries become a negative force.”  

Whats next:  Wake Forest improves to 19-5 overall 9-4 ACC & will be away on Wednesday, Feb 9 at 7pm at NC State(10-14 overall 3-10 ACC).  FSU falls to 13-9 overall 6-6 ACC & will host Pitt(8-15 overall 3-9 ACC) on Wednesday, Feb 9 at 9pm

GAME STATS

FSU: 60 pts,  32.8% 2-PT, 4-19 21.1% 3-PT, 12-18 FT, 37 rebs, 12 assists, 16 TO, 15 STL, 5 Blks

WF: 68 pts,  45.6% 2-PT, 8-22 36.4% 3-PT, 8-15FT, 46 rebs, 15 assists, 16 TO, 6 STL

Individual leaders

FSU: C. Mills 15pts, H. Prieto 13pts 13rebs M. Cleveland 11pts 9rebs

WF:  D. Williams 23pts 8rebs 4 assits, J. LaRavia 18pts 13rebs 9assists, I. Mucius 10pts, 

D. Monsato 9pts 7rebs

Photo credit: Cameron Robertson/FAAZ Sports