Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

No. 22 Florida St. ‘dodged a bullet’ vs. Clemson

spt-120304-FSU

Mike Miller

Let Florida State guard Michael Snaer sum up Sunday’s win against Clemson: “We dodged a bullet today.”

The No. 22 Seminoles nearly blew a 16-point second-half lead before finally winning 80-72 thanks to some timely free throws down the stretch. Without those, the ‘Noles (21-9, 12-4 in ACC ) might’ve been staring at their third loss in the last four games. That’s hardly the way to enter the ACC tournament.

But for a team that’s lost to Princeton and Boston College yet has beaten Duke and North Carolina, that pretty much sums up FSU this year. Perplexing at times, but capable of big things.

“We have found a way to win regardless of our strengths and weaknesses,” coach Leonard Hamilton said. “We were able to regroup, hit our free throws and make some plays at the end.”

Question is, which Seminole team will emerge in the NCAA tournament?

Assuming they don’t win the ACC tourney, the ‘Noles are likely headed for a 4 or 5 seed in the Big Dance, putting them in good position to advance to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season. A little offense, that reliable defense, it’s a solid combo.

But it does make for some nervous times.

You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.