News Summary
In a thrilling match against Wake Forest, Florida State University’s men’s basketball team staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 14-point deficit to win 72-70. After a tough first half, FSU displayed resilience, scoring 51 points in the second half. Key performances from Taylor Bol Bowen and Jamir Watkins, both scoring 15 points, along with a crucial late-game three-pointer, propelled the Seminoles to victory. This win marks FSU’s first at Wake Forest since the 2019-20 season, keeping their postseason hopes alive as they approach a challenging schedule.
Florida State Men’s Basketball Pulls Off Stunning Comeback Against Wake Forest
Winston-Salem, North Carolina witnessed an epic showdown on Saturday night as the Florida State men’s basketball team took on Wake Forest at the Lawrence Joel Veteran Memorial Coliseum. With an audience of 8,356 fans on the edge of their seats, the Seminoles made headlines by overcoming a sizable deficit to snatch a thrilling 72-70 victory.
First Half Woes Don’t Dampen Determination
The game kicked off with the Seminoles struggling to find their rhythm. By halftime, Florida State found themselves in a deep hole at 35-21, trailing significantly. But rather than allowing the first half’s lackluster performance to set the tone, the team regrouped and returned to the court with renewed energy and determination. Fans could sense the underdog spirit, sparking hope for a potential comeback.
A Second Half Surge
As the second half unfolded, Florida State turned the tide. They came alive on the court, scoring a staggering 51 points in the final 20 minutes, while holding Wake Forest to 35. This impressive turnaround culminated in a dominating 27-9 run, stunning the opposition and electrifying the crowd.
With just over eight minutes left on the clock, Wake Forest appeared to be coasting toward victory with a comfortable 61-45 lead. However, Florida State was not ready to throw in the towel. They quickly launched a determined 9-0 run, cutting the deficit to single digits and keeping hope alive for their fans.
Crucial Plays Down the Stretch
As the game reached its climax, the energy in the arena intensified. Taylor Bol Bowen, who made his return after missing two games due to injury, hit a critical three-point jumper in the closing seconds, pushing FSU ahead 70-69. With only 15 seconds left, the Seminoles seized the moment—exactly what they needed from their star player.
In a tense final moment, a foul by Daquan Davis sent Wake Forest’s Cameron Hildreth to the free-throw line for three shots, with just a second remaining. In what felt like an eternity, Hildreth missed two of the three attempts—throwing away a chance to steal back the lead for Wake Forest.
Standout Performances
Both Taylor Bol Bowen and Jamir Watkins stepped up, scoring 15 points each for FSU, leading the scoresheet. Additionally, Malique Ewin showcased his all-around talent with a double-double performance, contributing 14 points and 12 rebounds—a true testament to his hard work.
From the bench, Justin Thomas emerged as a key player, bringing energy with eight crucial points and two back-to-back three-pointers in the final minutes that further uplifted the team’s momentum.
While Florida State celebrated their victory, Hunter Sallis led Wake Forest with 22 points, closely followed by teammate Hildreth with 20 points and six rebounds.
A Season of Rebuilding Ahead
This win not only marks Florida State’s first victory at Wake Forest since the 2019-20 season but also keeps their postseason dreams alive. FSU now boasts a record of 15-9 overall and 6-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Upcoming matches against ranked teams like No. 19 Clemson and Miami present a challenging yet exciting road ahead.
As for Wake Forest, they’re working on regrouping for a strong 2024-25 season under fifth-year coach Steve Forbes. Their current record stands at 18-6 and 10-3 in the ACC. Given their roster changes, including the addition of new talents like Omaha Biliew and Tre’Von Spillers, the team looks to build a more competitive squad, despite the recent setbacks.
Looking Forward
The stage is set for a riveting finish to the basketball season. Fans of both teams can look forward to a thrilling lineup of games as Florida State aims to maintain their momentum and Wake Forest hopes to turn things around in the coming weeks. The excitement continues, and basketball season has never been better!
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Additional Resources
- Keeping It Heel: UNC Basketball Travels to Wake Forest
- NCAA: NCAA Announces More Host Site Selections
- North State Journal: Wake Forest Basketball Hopes to Take Leap Forward
- Syracuse.com: Wake Forest’s March Madness Odds Get Boost
- GoDeacs.com: No. 1 Seed Deacs to Host App State
