Florida State men’s basketball finally found a formula that worked - and it came at the perfect time, on the road, against a ranked rival.
After weeks of living and dying by the three-pointer, FSU flipped the script in a 65-63 upset win over Miami. This wasn’t just a big win for the Seminoles - it was a statement. And it was the kind of gritty, disciplined performance that head coach Luke Loucks can build on.
Let’s break down what changed - and why it worked.
Cutting Down on Threes, Attacking the Paint
All season long, FSU had been hoisting up over 30 threes a game, connecting on just around 30 percent. That’s a tough way to win consistently, especially when the long ball isn’t falling. Too often, it led to cold stretches, blown leads, and lopsided losses.
But against Miami, the Seminoles showed a different side. They took just 17 three-point attempts - their lowest total in weeks - and made six of them, a solid 35 percent clip.
More importantly, they didn’t settle. Instead of relying on perimeter shots, FSU went inside and got physical.
They scored 32 points in the paint, attacked in transition for 10 fast-break points, and earned 11 points at the free-throw line.
That kind of balance is what this team has been missing.
Defense That Dictated the Game
FSU didn’t just change things on offense - their defense came to play, too.
They held Miami to just 25 percent shooting from beyond the arc, a critical stat against a team that can heat up quickly from deep. The Seminoles also forced 14 turnovers and turned those into 12 points. That’s the kind of opportunistic defense that can swing games, especially when the offense is grinding out buckets in the paint.
And when it came to crunch time? FSU made their free throws - something they’ve struggled with this season. That composure at the line helped seal the win in a tight finish.
A Signature Win for Loucks
This wasn’t just any win - this was a rivalry game on the road, against a Miami team that came in with a 15-4 record and a strong start in ACC play. For a Florida State squad that entered the night at 8-11 overall and just 1-5 in the conference, this was the kind of performance that can shift momentum.
Luke Loucks and his staff clearly made adjustments, and the players executed. They played smarter basketball - fewer wasted possessions, more high-percentage looks, and a defense that made life tough for a talented Miami offense.
It’s the kind of blueprint that could help FSU turn a corner. If they can stick to this identity - attacking the paint, defending with intensity, and limiting low-efficiency threes - they’ll give themselves a shot to win more games down the stretch.
For now, this was a win that showed what Florida State basketball can be when it plays to its strengths.