FSU basketball: Noles survive huge Louisville comeback bid

FSU basketball (8-16, 6-7 ACC) survived a huge comeback bid by Louisville (3-20, 1-11 ACC) on the road to complete the regular-season sweep of the Cardinals with an 81-78 win.

The Noles led 45-36 at halftime and built a huge 15-point lead with 9:11 remaining in the second half. However, the Cardinals used a 15-2 run to tie the game at 74-74 with 2:08 remaining.

FSU seemed to settle for three-pointers and jump shots, which allowed Louisville back in the game. Louisville also edged FSU on the boards.

The Noles would never relinquish the lead and made three of four free throws down the stretch. However, a missed free throw by Darin Green Jr. allowed Louisville one final possession with a chance to tie the game, but the shot missed badly as time expired.

FSU shot the ball well at 48.4 percent overall and 8 of 23 from three-point land. They only had eight turnovers but went 13 of 19 from the free-throw line (68 percent).

FSU forced 11 turnovers and turned those into points, but still struggled on the defensive end. Louisville shot 46.8 percent overall and made 10 of 28 three-pointers, and many were wide-open shots. Matthew Cleveland had another double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Cam Corhen had 16 points and five rebounds. Jalen Warley had 14 points, five assists, and zero turnovers. Darin Green Jr and Caleb Mills had 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Naheem McLeod returned to action for the first time since the Miami game and had seven points, two rebounds, and two blocks.

This was a game FSU had to win from a perception standpoint, especially after blowing the big lead. FSU basketball will return to action Wednesday night when they host Syracuse at 7 p.m. The game will air on ESPNU.