Florida State pulled off a stunning upset at Purcell Pavilion, taking down Notre Dame 82-79 in a thrilling conference matchup. The Seminoles, ranked 101 in the net rankings, were predicted to fall by 6.7 points according to CHD Scout, but they had other plans. Led by Chauncey Wiggins' impressive 22-point performance, Florida State outlasted the Fighting Irish, who were favored to win.
Chauncey Wiggins' 22 Points Mark His 5th 20-Point Game of the Season
The game got off to a fast start, with Florida State taking a 41-32 lead into halftime. Notre Dame's Braeden Shrewsberry kept his team in the game, scoring 18 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but the Seminoles' balanced attack proved too much to handle. Wiggins was joined by Robert McCray V, who chipped in 15 points, and Lajae Jones, who added 11 points and 5 rebounds. The Seminoles' ability to maintain their lead in the second half, scoring 41 points to Notre Dame's 47, was a reflection of their resilience and determination.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Notre Dame made a push in the second half, with Jalen Haralson and Cole Certa contributing 15 and 14 points, respectively. However, the Fighting Irish were unable to overcome the deficit, ultimately falling by 3 points. The loss is a significant setback for Notre Dame, who were looking to build momentum in conference play.
The upset win is a major boost to Florida State's resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 2 win. Conversely, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat for Notre Dame, which could have implications for their tournament chances. With the win, Florida State improves to 11-12 on the season, while Notre Dame falls to 11-13.
The CHD Scout prediction was incorrect, as Florida State's strong performance and Notre Dame's struggles led to the upset. The Seminoles' ability to defy expectations and secure a significant conference win will undoubtedly give them a confidence boost as they move forward in the season.
This result has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Florida State's win over a higher-ranked opponent in Quadrant 2 will undoubtedly strengthen their resume, while Notre Dame's loss could hurt their chances of making a deep run in the tournament. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to build on this result and make a push for the postseason.