FSU basketball finds redemption at Louisville

When these teams met nearly a month ago, Florida State blew a golden opportunity as they let a 13-point halftime lead slip away. Today’s lead was just a single point, but the ‘Noles found some post-halftime focus, and in the final seconds got a game saving block from Terance Mann to get a huge 80-76 road win.

It was a rough, choppy beginning to the game, as the refs let the teams be very physical in the early going. It didn’t take long for the Seminoles to fall behind 16-9.

FSU’s gameplan was to attack into the teeth of Louisville’s back line, and in the early going they didn’t have much to show for it.

But then FSU found some rhythm, keyed by some inspired basketball from Braian Angola. For the rest of the half they outscored Louisville 30-22 to take a one-point lead.

The second half was simply great basketball. There were four lead changes and multiple ties over the first ten minutes. Unfortunately, Braian Angola and CJ Walker both had four fouls by that point. But it was okay, as Trent Forrest played what may have been his best basketball game at FSU.

Down 3, Forrest found Mann on the fast break for a layup, and then was fouled on FSU’s next possession, where he tied the game.

Then, after the teams traded baskets out of the post, Florida State finally made their run, reeling off eight straight points.

Louisville kept battling back, but FSU would never fold. After Angola hit two free throws with 41 seconds remaining, the ‘Noles were up seven and seemingly in command.

Then Quentin Snider hit a tough step-through three and the lead was four.

On the inbounds play, Angola fumbled the ball out of bounds, and a Cardinals layup cut the lead to two.

Louisville tried to trap, but FSU broke it and Terance Mann was fouled. A 75% free throw shooter in ACC play, Mann missed them both.

And Louisville had the final shot for the tie or win.

They spread the floor and had 5* sophomore VJ King go one-on-one against Mann. King faked right, went left. But Mann had him timed perfectly and made an incredible block on the layup.

Trent Forrest grabbed the loose ball and lobbed it ahead to MJ Walker for the game sealing dunk with a second left.

Final: 80-76, good guys.

Phil Cofer had another solid game with 16 points and multiple hustle plays. Braian Angola had 16. Terance Mann had 11. Christ Koumadje had 11 points and eight rebounds. CJ Walker had 10 points and six boards. And Trent Forrest had 10 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.

FSU improves to 17-6 (6-5), and hosts Virginia on Wednesday.