FSU loses a heart breaker to No. 11 Miami

Florida State entered the game looking for a statement win over No. 11 Miami, but after a few minutes it was clear all the recent demons were rearing their heads. The Noles got off to another slow start, turning the ball over on five of their first eleven possessions. They struggled from the line, making just 2-6 free throws.

FSU also spent the entire half in a zone after Miami dominated FSU inside earlier this season. Luckily that defense - which got a crazy number of deflections without actually generating that many steals - forced Miami into seven first half turnovers, while limiting the Canes' effectiveness in the paint. However, FSU didn't stop the Hurricanes from getting looks from the perimeter. Miami responded with 5-12 3s.

The Noles had the final possession trailing 37-26, but FSU got called for their 3rd illegal screen of the night, and Miami got the final possession. They couldn't score, but still led by 11 at the break.

Malik Beasley and Dwayne Bacon combined for just 2 points in the opening frame.

Bacon got the Noles off to a better start in the 2nd half, knocking down a quick three, but Beasley's struggles continued, missing his first six shots of the game (to be fair, one was a missed goal tending).

And then Bacon picked up his 3rd foul and Beasley unexpectedly ended up in the locker room for several minutes (he'd re-enter the game about 7 minutes later).

With the freshmen stars out, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, who had several bad turnovers in the first half, put the team on his back. Behind his scoring, FSU cut Miami's double-digit lead to 45-43 just after the under-12.

A few minutes later, Devon Bookert knocked down a three, tying the game at 50.

From there, it went back and forth, until Miami got hot from the arc, knocking down three straight 3s to take a 63-57 lead.

Bacon grown-manned it back to a 63-60 game on an and-one, before Malik Beasley scored just his second basket of the night to cut it to one.

After some scores from Miami, Dwayne Bacon cut the lead to one with a three.

Finally, FSU got the stop it needed, and they had the final possession, trailing 66-65.

Bacon had the ball up top with the floor spread, but for some reason he gave the ball to Rathan-Mayes. Unfortunately, XRM kicked it away and a mad scramble ensued. Bookert was able to corral the ball, but his desperation heave went wide (he seemingly lost track of time). After a Miami hit one of two free throws, Beasley had a desperation three for the win at the buzzer, but it was well off the mark.

Ball game.

Noles lose 67-65.

Bookert led the way with 14 points and three steals. XRM was the only other Nole in double figures with 12. Beasley only scored six points, ending his streak of 24 straight games in double-figures.

FSU falls to 6-7 in the ACC, and according to Joe Lunardi are the final team in the dance, meaning the Noles have some work to do over their final five games.