Robert McCray V Delivers in the Clutch as Florida State Stuns Miami to Snap Losing Skid
When a team’s been backed into a corner, it takes more than just talent to claw its way out-it takes poise, grit, and someone willing to step up in the moment. On Tuesday night in Coral Gables, Robert McCray V was that guy for Florida State.
With the game tied at 63 and just over a second left on the clock, McCray calmly knocked down two pressure-packed free throws to lift the Seminoles to a dramatic 65-63 win over Miami. The victory snapped a five-game losing streak and marked FSU’s first ACC win of the season-one that came on the road, against a 15-win Hurricanes squad that had yet to lose at home this year.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
McCray’s Redemption Arc
Just days removed from a rough outing against Wake Forest where he turned the ball over 11 times, McCray flipped the script. He poured in 20 points-11 of them in the second half-and added four assists, four boards, and three blocks. He shot 41% from the field and, more importantly, looked in control when it mattered most.
With 18 seconds left in a tie game, McCray took the ball at the top of the key. After navigating a series of screens, he drove hard to the lane, pulled up for a floater, and drew a foul from Miami’s Malik Reneau.
The pressure was sky-high, but McCray didn’t flinch. Two perfect free throws later, Florida State had its most meaningful win of the season.
A Shift in Style-and It Worked
This wasn’t your typical perimeter-heavy Seminoles performance. FSU made a conscious decision to attack the paint, and it paid off. They shot 45% from the field and attempted just 17 threes, instead focusing on getting downhill and generating high-percentage looks.
That approach opened things up late. As Miami’s defense collapsed to stop the drive, it left shooters open on the perimeter. FSU took advantage, knocking down six threes-many of them coming at crucial moments when Miami threatened to swing the momentum.
Trading Blows Early, Then Taking Control
The first half was a back-and-forth affair. Both teams traded buckets early, with Tre Donaldson tying the game at 13 with a three midway through the half. Miami briefly took the lead on the next possession and held it until the final seconds before halftime.
That’s when Kobe MaGee delivered a momentum-shifting moment. After a missed Miami free throw and a timeout, FSU drew up a play for MaGee, who came off a screen and buried a contested three at the buzzer to give the Seminoles a 38-37 lead at the break.
It was just FSU’s third made three of the half, but it capped off an efficient offensive stretch. The Noles shot 52% from the floor in the first 20 minutes, with 24 of their points coming in the paint. McCray had nine points and three assists at the half-and just two turnovers, a far cry from his struggles against Wake Forest.
Wiggins and McCray Take Over
The second half belonged to McCray and Chauncey Wiggins. The duo combined for 19 of FSU’s 27 second-half points and were responsible for nearly every big bucket down the stretch.
Wiggins gave FSU the lead for good with a three-pointer at the 16:24 mark, putting the Seminoles up 46-44. From there, it was a matter of staying composed. Miami kept it close, but FSU never trailed again.
Outside of McCray and Wiggins, only three other field goals were made in the second half-two threes by Martin Somerville and a layup from Thomas Bassong. But it was enough.
With 1:45 left, FSU led 63-60. Miami trimmed the lead to one on a Reneau layup, then tied it after McCray missed a three and Reneau hit one of two free throws with 21 seconds left.
That set the stage for McCray’s heroics.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While McCray and Wiggins carried the scoring load late, the supporting cast did their part. Wiggins finished with 10 points, while Bassong contributed across the board-eight points, six rebounds, six assists, a block, and two steals. Somerville added nine points and four steals, providing a spark off the bench.
What’s Next?
Florida State now heads to Dallas, riding the momentum of a season-altering win. For a team that had been searching for answers, Tuesday night offered more than just a tally in the win column. It was a reminder that when this group plays with energy, toughness, and trust, they can hang with anyone in the ACC.
And with McCray leading the way, they might just be getting started.