FSU battles back, claims 80-76 win at Louisville
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Box Score: FSU 80, Louisville 76
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Nearly a month after blowing a big second-half lead at home against Louisville, the Florida State men's basketball team made no such mistakes in the rematch.
The Seminoles took control midway through the second half Saturday at Louisville and held on for an 80-76 victory. With the win, Florida State improves to 17-6 overall and 6-5 in the ACC. Louisville falls to 16-7 and 6-4.
Although the 'Noles never relinquished their lead down the stretch, things got dicey when forward Terance Mann missed a pair of free throws with just 17 seconds remaining and FSU leading by two. Mann made up for the miscue at the other end of the court, blocking Louisville's final shot, which led to a breakaway, game-clinching dunk by freshman M.J. Walker.
The win not only avenged an earlier home loss, but it made up for a surprising defeat earlier this week against a struggling Wake Forest team.
The Seminoles earned the win despite playing much of the second half without guards Braian Angola and C.J. Walker, both of whom were in foul trouble.
FSU was led offensively by senior forward Phil Cofer with 16 point and several other players in double-figures. Angola finished with 13, while Mann and center Christ Koumadje each scored 11, and C.J. Walker had 10.
Louisville led for most of the first half, but Florida State rallied and took a 39-38 advantage at halftime.
After a two-game road trip, Florida State returns home Wednesday night to face No. 2 Virginia.
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