In a hard-fought battle, Cal fell to Florida State 95-89, but the scoreline doesn’t quite capture the game’s narrative. Florida State's offensive prowess was on full display, shooting near 50% from beyond the arc and nearly 60% overall, while committing just six turnovers. It was a game where the Seminoles seemed to have everything clicking.
Cal started strong, showcasing impressive ball movement and shot-making early on. They took a 13-7 lead with contributions from all starters.
However, Florida State quickly responded with a 15-2 run, fueled by Robert McCray’s nine points, to take control at 22-15 midway through the first half. During this stretch, Cal struggled against Florida State's zone defense, going 1-for-11, while the Seminoles hit 8-of-9 shots.
Dai Dai Ames tried to spark a comeback with back-to-back threes, but Florida State's zone continued to stifle Cal’s offense. By halftime, the Seminoles extended their lead to 46-32. Cal’s shooting woes from deep (3-of-11 in the first half) highlighted their struggle to generate two-point opportunities, often settling for rushed drives.
The numbers told the story:
- Cal: 5 assists, 8 turnovers
- Florida State: 10 assists, 0 turnovers
Florida State's selfless ball movement contrasted sharply with Cal’s stagnation. Lee Dort was a force on the boards with eight rebounds, but Cal couldn't capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
In the second half, Cal attempted to change the pace, with Justin Pippen scoring on the first two possessions. However, the momentum was short-lived.
Defensive lapses and reliance on individual efforts from Pippen and Ames allowed Florida State to maintain a comfortable lead, which they stretched to twenty points at one point. Cal’s defense faltered with missed rotations, leading to highlight-reel dunks by the Seminoles.
A late scoring surge by Cal made the final score more respectable, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Offensively, Cal wasn't the problem. They scored 57 points in the second half and shot 50% from the field. Dai Dai Ames led with 27 points, while Lee Dort grabbed 18 rebounds, nearly matching Florida State’s team total of 26.
Defensively, Cal struggled mightily. Florida State's offense was relentless, scoring 96 points-the most Cal has allowed in ACC play outside a double-overtime loss to Syracuse. The Seminoles exploited Cal’s defense, shooting 13-of-28 from three, many of which were uncontested.
Postgame, Coach Madsen took responsibility for the defensive shortcomings, particularly against the Seminoles' pinning screens. He emphasized the need for better execution, acknowledging the team’s preparation but accepting the blame for the lack of results.
Justin Pippen echoed the sentiment, highlighting how Florida State capitalized on Cal’s defensive mistakes. Reflecting on the season, Pippen expressed pride in the team but acknowledged missed opportunities.
Coach Madsen remained optimistic, praising the team’s fight and determination. Despite the loss, he emphasized the importance of the group’s resilience and the need for improvement moving forward.
As Cal looks ahead to potential postseason play, the focus remains on growth and reflection. The season had its highs and lows, but the journey is far from over, with more opportunities to showcase their talent and resolve.