FSU basketball sends seniors out as winners against NC State

FSU basketball (17-13, 10-10 ACC) defeated the NC State Wolfpack 89-76 Saturday to send its seniors out as winners.

The win secured a series sweep after beating the Wolfpack in early January. The win was the third consecutive for Leonard Hamilton, to end the regular season on a strong note after dealing with an incredible amount of terrible injury luck over the past month.

The Noles gained control of the game early and never looked back, leading 46-35 at halftime, and the Wolfpack never truly threatened the lead. Anthony Polite led all Seniors with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Senior RayQuan Evans tallied 10 assists, five rebounds, and five points. Senior Tanor Ngom chipped in with 10 points and seven boards, with Senior Wyatt Wilkes finishing his career with seven points in the game. Matthew Cleveland returned from an illness to post 11 points and two rebounds.

John Butler had 11 points, three rebounds, and three blocks. Caleb Mills had a game-high 19 points and three rebounds. The Noles shot 51 percent from the floor and made 17 of 21 free throws.

They only had eight turnovers and were +7 on the boards. It was a strong effort from a team that could have quit on the season a month ago.

They should get a first-round bye in the ACC Tournament next week and will need to win the tournament to make the NCAA Tournament. However, there’s a lot to build on next year provided all of the underclassmen decide to return.

Caleb Mills is a proven scorer and John Butler and Matthew Cleveland could be dynamite with another offseason under their belts. Cam’Ron Fletcher could be an integral piece as well as guard Jalen Warley. I know a lot of folks wrote Leonard Hamilton off at a couple of different times this season but the way they finished the season proves why he’s one of the best in the game.