Wake Forest secured a hard-fought 69-68 win over Florida State at the Tucker Center, with Nate Calmese's 18 points paving the way for the Demon Deacons. The game was a closely contested affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout. Florida State's Chauncey Wiggins kept his team in the hunt, scoring 15 points, but ultimately, Wake Forest's depth and balance proved too much for the Seminoles.
At halftime, Wake Forest trailed 34-31, but the Demon Deacons came out strong in the second half, outscoring Florida State 38-34. Juke Harris and Myles Colvin provided crucial support for Calmese, scoring 15 points each and helping to stretch the Florida State defense. Harris also pulled down 9 rebounds, giving Wake Forest a much-needed edge on the glass.
Florida State, meanwhile, relied on the all-around efforts of Robert McCray V, who finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Thomas Bassong added 11 points and 5 rebounds, but the Seminoles' inability to contain Wake Forest's offense late proved costly.
The game was marked by several key moments, including a late surge by Wake Forest that saw the Demon Deacons take the lead for good. Florida State had opportunities to tie or take the lead, but the Seminoles' shooting deserted them at critical times. In the end, Wake Forest's narrow victory was a reflection of the team's resilience and determination.
With this win, Wake Forest improves to 11-10 on the season, while Florida State falls to 8-12. The result has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances, particularly in terms of their respective resumes. This game was classified as a Quadrant 2 contest for both teams, and the win will undoubtedly boost Wake Forest's profile.
For Wake Forest, the victory is a valuable addition to their resume, demonstrating the team's ability to win on the road against a decent opponent. The Demon Deacons' net ranking of 65 will likely receive a boost, moving them closer to the tournament bubble. On the other hand, Florida State's loss will do little to enhance their tournament prospects, with the Seminoles' net ranking of 113 leaving them with significant work to do.
Ultimately, Wake Forest's 69-68 win over Florida State will be remembered as a thrilling, back-and-forth affair that showcased the skills of two talented teams. While the result may not have been an upset, it was a significant win for the Demon Deacons, one that will have a lasting impact on their tournament chances. As the season enters its critical phase, Wake Forest want to build on this momentum, while Florida State will aim to regroup and push for a strong finish.