Florida State Grinds Out Revenge Win Over Cal, 63-61
A year ago, Florida State’s season took a nosedive during a two-game road swing through California. This time around, the Seminoles flipped the script - and may have delivered a serious blow to Cal’s NCAA Tournament hopes in the process. In a gritty 63-61 win at home, FSU built a 13-point halftime lead, weathered a second-half shooting slump, and leaned on hustle plays and a few timely Cal mistakes to walk away with a much-needed victory.
Let’s break it down.
First Half: Wiggins Ignites, Swinton Sparks, Seminoles Surge
Florida State came out hot behind Chauncey Wiggins, who drilled a pair of early threes to spark a quick 6-0 lead. When Wiggins gets going early, it usually sets the tone for the ‘Noles on both ends - and sure enough, FSU’s defense followed suit, forcing several early turnovers.
But the offensive rhythm didn’t last. After that opening burst, Florida State missed 13 of their next 14 shots, and Cal took full advantage, flipping the scoreboard with a 14-2 run.
That’s when head coach Luke Loucks called a well-timed timeout, and the momentum shifted again. Enter A.J.
Swinton. The freshman guard checked in and immediately made his presence felt with a steal and back-to-back threes from the right wing.
Just like that, the game was tied at 16, and the energy inside the building picked up.
From there, it was a back-and-forth battle until Wiggins reasserted himself late in the half. He knocked down his third triple of the game, followed by a smooth turnaround jumper in the lane. Then came a key sequence: Wiggins secured a defensive rebound, pushed the ball ahead to Cam Miles, and the freshman finished with an acrobatic layup to give FSU its biggest lead of the half.
The Seminoles weren’t done yet. Robert McCray V added a tough finish in traffic, and Lajae Jones followed with an old-school three-point play and a layup just before the buzzer. He also grabbed a key defensive board to close the half, capping off a 13-4 run that gave Florida State a 36-23 lead heading into the locker room.
Second Half: Ugly, Unpredictable, But Enough
With a 13-point cushion to start the second half, FSU found itself in unfamiliar territory - and it showed. The ‘Noles came out flat, turning the ball over and letting go of the defensive intensity that fueled their first-half surge. Cal took advantage, cutting the lead to seven within five minutes.
McCray V briefly steadied the ship with a tough and-one finish to push the lead back to 10, but the game quickly turned into a grind. Both teams struggled to string together consistent offense, and while Cal kept threatening, FSU always seemed to have just enough of an answer.
Wiggins responded to a Justin Pippen deep three with a three-point play of his own. Thomas Bassong knocked down a pair of free throws to keep the Bears at bay.
But the cracks were showing.
Florida State’s offense sputtered. The ‘Noles missed 9 of their first 10 threes in the second half and couldn’t capitalize on opportunities to put the game away. And while they didn’t turn the ball over often, the ones they did have were costly - directly leading to easy Cal buckets.
With just over six minutes to go, the Bears had clawed all the way back to within one at 55-54. Martin Somerville answered with a composed finish in the paint, but Cal kept coming. After a McCray V turnover led to a Cal fast break, the Bears took their first lead of the half, 59-58.
McCray V quickly made amends, attacking the rim for a go-ahead bucket. Cal tied it up with a split at the line, but Wiggins - fittingly - gave FSU the lead for good with a soft jumper at the 2:59 mark.
From there, it was a rock fight. Neither team could buy a bucket, and FSU’s free throw woes nearly cost them.
With under 10 seconds to go, Jones finally hit the back end of a pair to give the Seminoles a 63-61 lead. Cal had one last look - a clean three at the buzzer - but it rimmed out, and FSU survived.
Box Score Standouts & Takeaways
🏆 Chief of the Court: Chauncey Wiggins
Wiggins was the steady hand Florida State needed in a game full of momentum swings.
He set the tone early with his shooting, helped close the half strong, and delivered what turned out to be the game-winning bucket with under three minutes to play. His late-game defensive rebound also helped seal the deal.
A complete performance from the senior.
📈 Lajae Jones: Impact Beyond the Box Score
Jones didn’t have his best shooting night (3-for-14), but he found other ways to make a difference.
Five offensive rebounds, tough defense, rim protection, and physicality in the paint all added up to a team-best +13 in the box score. His ability to contribute even when his shot isn’t falling is a major reason why he’s earned a bigger role in Loucks’ rotation.
🧠 Martin Somerville: Steady at the Controls
Somerville continues to grow into his role as a floor general.
He doesn’t have the burst of McCray V or the handle of Cam Miles, but he plays with poise and vision. His 4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio in this one was a big reason the ‘Noles held on late.
If he keeps progressing, he could be the guy running the show next season.
🔦 A.J. Swinton: Flash of Potential
Swinton’s first-half spark was crucial, and his minutes late in the game show the trust he’s earning from the coaching staff. He’s been inconsistent this season, but this performance - especially his confidence from deep and defensive presence - could be a turning point.
The tools are there; it’s all about putting it together consistently.
Final Word
This wasn’t pretty - and Florida State will be the first to admit it. But it was gritty, and sometimes that’s what it takes.
The Seminoles didn’t shoot well, didn’t close cleanly, and gave Cal every chance to steal it. But they made just enough plays, got just enough stops, and found a way.
After what happened last year in California, this one had to feel good.