FSU basketball: Offense fails Noles in loss against Wake Forest

FSU basketball (13-9, 6-6 ACC) went down against Wake Forest 68-60 Saturday afternoon for their fourth consecutive loss. It was a hard-fought game, with FSU overcoming sizable deficits twice in the second half.

The defense has been the biggest issue for the Noles of late, but it was the lack of offense that doomed the Noles Saturday afternoon. FSU only shot 32.8 percent overall, 21.1 percent from three, and 12 of 18 from the free-throw line.

FSU’s defense forced 26 turnovers, but the offense couldn’t capitalize on the extra opportunities or the +2 rebound advantage on the offensive boards. FSU’s offense also turned the ball over 16 times which didn’t help their cause.

Wake Forest shot 45 percent overall and made 8 of 22 three-pointers. The Demon Deacons were only 8 of 15 from the free-throw line.

FSU Caleb Mills led FSU with 16 points, and Harrison Prieto played 26 minutes as John Butler only saw eight minutes of action. Prieto had 13 points and 13 rebounds. Freshman Matthew Cleveland had 11 points and nine rebounds.

The difference in the game was free-throw shooting and Wake Forest’s ability to make timely three-point shots down the stretch. The Noles overcome an eight-point and an 11-point lead in the second half. FSU trimmed the lead to 52-50 with 6:16 remaining.

It’s a trend we’ve seen in the last few games, with FSU making a second-half run, but they haven’t been able to make enough plays to get the win.

Their chances of making the NCAA Tournament are all but over now unless they win the ACC Tournament.

However, it’s a good sign the team continues to fight hard even though they are young and dealing with multiple injuries to key players. The Noles return to action Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET as they host Pittsburgh.