FSU Basketball Bests Miami for Rivalry Win; Extends Streak to 5

The game tips off at a breakneck pace, and the Noles dictate the contest against the Hurricanes on both ends of the floor, getting to the rim at will for rebounds and points plenty.

Using signature Leonard Hamilton basketball, a deep rotation with high levels of intensity at both ends of the court, FSU built a 15-point lead in the first half and held a 10-point advantage at the half-time break.

De'Ante Green (5) and Cam Corhen (3) were pivotal in this stretch as they were the squad's presence in the paint. Corhen tied the team high with 16 points, and Green contributed 10 points of his own. However, the team still shows signs of struggling to handle leads.

Before the break, Miami had cut the lead to single digits before Primo Sprears (23) ended the half with a timely bucket to end the run. The second half was similarly paced initially as the Seminoles were able to extend their lead to 16, forcing a Miami timeout.

When play resumed, the Hurricanes had increased their intensity on the court and found their shot-making form, cutting the Seminole lead to two points at the 11-minute mark. As time ticked down, the two teams exchanged runs of baskets, causing the lead to fluctuate between two and seven.

Under five minutes remaining, and only two points continued to separate FSU and Miami. It wasn't until a Jamir Watkins (2) highlight reel dunk inside two minutes that the game finally felt out of reach, with the difference sitting at six.

Both teams would exchange fouls and baskets until the final whistle, where FSU was victorious 84-75. The Seminoles were led by Spears and Corhen, who both finished with 16 points. Watkins contributed 15. FSU had 45 total rebounds, shot 61 percent from the free-throw line,
48 percent from the field, and 23 percent from behind the three-point arc.

Miami was led by Nijel Pack (24) with 19 points. Other contributors for the 'Canes include Norchad Omier (15) who had 15 points and 15 rebounds, Wooga Poplar (5) had 15 as well, and Bensley Joseph (4) had 10. Former 'Nole Matthew Cleveland struggled and shot 1-for-8 from the field for two points.

As a team, Miami had 40 rebounds, shot 58 percent from the free-throw line, 25 percent from three, and 46.6 percent from the field.

The Seminoles led from start to finish. This win makes it five wins in a row, and 13 wins of the last 14 contests against their rivals in Coral Gabels. FSU returns to action on Saturday when they travel to Clemson at 3:00 pm EST.