FSU basketball weathers 3-point storm to beat Miami in overtime

It may have been Florida State basketball’s best played game of the season, and it still took overtime to beat Miami.

The Hurricanes were fueled by a record-setting barrage from beyond the arc, knocking down 17 3s for the game. It seemed like their insane shooting luck was used up when Dejan Vasiljevic canned a 40-footer early in the 2nd half. But a few minutes later, with the shot clock expiring, he tossed up a double-teamed fade away three that was nothing but net. A few minutes after that, Sam Waardenburg — who had scored in two games this season — launched a 25-foot HORSE shot from the hip. Bottoms. Miami couldn’t miss. But FSU stayed the course and managed the game possession to possession. They were efficient. They were connected. And in the end they took home a 103-94 win.

After suffering through a horrendous start to the last Miami game three weeks ago, fans were nervous as the Seminoles came out and immediately turned it over on their first two possessions. But a 10-0 run by the good guys quickly put that slow start to bed.

FSU was able to maintain the lead for the rest of the half, and went into the break leading 44-39.

Miami had a 4-point possession to begin the 2nd half, but FSU didn’t blink. They just kept scoring. Unfortunately, the ’Canes hit the three circus 3s, as well as 16-31 for the game, and FSU was never able to put them away.

With the game tied 83-83, Terance Mann had a jumper to give FSU the lead in the final seconds, but missed. Five star freshman Lonnie Walker took the shot for the Miami win, but missed, and CJ Walker came up with the huge rebound on a loose ball. Florida State had possession, with five seconds remaining, but Lonnie Walker blocked Braian Angola’s game-winning attempt.

In overtime, it was all FSU. The Seminoles scored on 12-straight possessions to put the game out of reach. In the end it was 103-94. Phil Cofer picked up a huge block to seal the game.

Cofer had a great game, leading FSU with 21 points and eight rebounds. Angola had 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. CJ Walker scored 17. Terance Mann had 14, and MJ Walker and Christ Koumadje each scored 13.

FSU is now 16-5 (5-4) and travels to Wake Forest on Wednesday.