In a thrilling showdown at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, No. 8 seed Florida State outlasted No. 9 seed Cal, 95-89, in the second round of the 2026 ACC Tournament. This victory not only set a new benchmark for the Seminoles, marking the most points they've ever scored in an ACC Tournament game, but also showcased their offensive prowess against an ACC opponent this season.
With this win, the Seminoles, now 18-14, continue their impressive late-season surge, having won four straight and seven of their last eight. Cal, on the other hand, finds its NCAA Tournament hopes dimming, as they fall to 21-11 after losing to FSU for the second time this season.
This triumph is particularly significant for FSU, marking their first ACC Tournament win since 2024. The victory propels them into the quarterfinals, where they'll face the top-seeded Duke. The Blue Devils will be shorthanded, missing key players Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II due to injuries.
FSU's head coach, Luke Loucks, expressed his desire to keep the momentum going, saying, "If you're going to be selfish about one thing, be selfish about winning games. I just want to keep winning, and if we play the way we've been playing, I think that's a really good possibility."
Robert McCray V was the standout performer, delivering a season-high 30 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and two steals. His 30-point performance is the highest by a Seminole in ACC Tournament history. "The confidence my coaches and teammates have in me allows me to do what I do," McCray shared post-game.
Supporting McCray's efforts, Lajae Jones contributed 15 points and six rebounds, while Chauncey Wiggins added 14 points. Kobe MaGee chipped in with 13 points, all in the first half, and Alex Steen provided eight points and eight rebounds.
FSU dominated early, leading 46-32 at halftime with an impressive 11-0 run. They maintained control, extending their lead to as much as 22 points in the second half. The Seminoles shot a remarkable 57.4% from the field, including 46.4% from beyond the arc, and capitalized on Cal's turnovers with 20 points.
Cal's effort was led by Dai Dai Ames with 27 points, followed by Chris Bell with 17, Justin Pippen with 15, and John Camden with 11. Despite shooting 50.8% from the floor, Cal's 12 turnovers proved costly against FSU's relentless pressure.
FSU's victory also marked a milestone for Coach Loucks, making him the third head coach in Seminoles history to win their first ACC tournament game. As they prepare to face Duke, the Seminoles are riding a wave of confidence and skillful play, ready to take on the next challenge.