FSU Basketball Wins First ACC Travel Game by Defeating the Miami Hurricanes, an In-State Foe
The Florida State University (FSU) basketball team delivered a stellar performance on January 9th, 2025, securing their first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) travel win of the season with a hard-fought victory over the Miami Hurricanes. The game, played at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida, was a crucial match-up between two of the state’s premier programs. FSU’s 79-73 win not only marked their first road victory in the conference this year but also highlighted their growth and resilience as a team, particularly in high-pressure situations against a fierce in-state rival.
A Rivalry Renewed
The rivalry between Florida State and the University of Miami in college basketball is one of the most heated in the ACC, especially considering both teams’ competitive histories and strong fanbases in the state of Florida. The Hurricanes have long been a formidable opponent in the conference, while FSU has steadily built its reputation as one of the rising programs under head coach Leonard Hamilton.
The atmosphere at the Watsco Center was electric, with Miami’s passionate home crowd eager to see their team extend their early season success. The Hurricanes entered the game as one of the conference’s top teams, having won six out of their first eight ACC games. Meanwhile, the Seminoles had faced some challenges, coming off a rough patch on the road in their previous outings. However, their performance in Miami signaled a new level of maturity and cohesion for the team as they look to turn their season around.
FSU’s Defensive Masterclass
One of the most impressive aspects of Florida State’s victory was their defense. Coach Hamilton, known for his emphasis on defensive strategies, had his team ready to battle on both ends of the floor. The Seminoles were aggressive from the opening tip, applying full-court pressure that set the tone for the game. Miami, known for their potent offense and balanced scoring attack, struggled to find consistent rhythm, largely due to FSU’s stifling defense.
The Seminoles’ defensive intensity was evident in their ability to disrupt the Hurricanes’ offensive flow. Miami, which typically relies on quick ball movement and high-percentage shooting, was forced into several turnovers and difficult shot attempts throughout the game. FSU’s ability to close out on shooters and contest shots without fouling was a key to their success. The Hurricanes were held to just 43% shooting from the field, significantly below their season average.
One standout defensive performance came from FSU’s standout guard, Caleb Mills. Mills, who had been playing at an All-ACC level this season, was tasked with guarding Miami’s star player, Isaiah Wong. Wong, who had been one of the most dynamic scorers in the conference, was kept in check for much of the game. Mills used his quickness and length to contest Wong’s shots and limit his driving lanes, forcing him into inefficient plays.
Beyond Mills, FSU’s frontcourt duo of Naheem McLeod and Cam’Ron Fletcher also made their presence felt defensively. McLeod, standing at 7’4”, was a force in the paint, blocking shots and altering Miami’s attempts inside. Fletcher, a versatile forward, played excellent help defense and came up with several crucial steals that led to transition opportunities for the Seminoles.
FSU’s Offensive Firepower
While defense was a key factor in the Seminoles’ success, their offensive execution also shone through in this win. The Seminoles played with great balance, finding scoring from multiple players across different positions. While Miami’s defense tried to focus on containing FSU’s top scorers, the Seminoles’ ability to share the ball and get contributions from multiple sources made them a difficult team to stop.
Leading the way offensively was Caleb Mills, who scored a game-high 24 points, contributing in a variety of ways. Mills showed his ability to score both off the dribble and as a spot-up shooter, connecting on several three-pointers and mid-range jumpers. His decision-making and poise in late-game situations were also critical, as he knocked down key free throws in the final minutes to help seal the win.
Mills wasn’t alone in the scoring department, though. Senior guard Matthew Cleveland added 18 points and grabbed six rebounds. Cleveland, known for his athleticism and ability to finish at the rim, made several key drives to the basket that kept the Hurricanes’ defense on its heels. His offensive versatility allowed FSU to attack Miami from multiple angles, forcing the Hurricanes to adjust their defensive schemes throughout the game.
Florida State also benefited from the scoring of freshman guard Jalen Warley, who chipped in with 12 points and displayed his maturity beyond his years. Warley’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor helped provide a spark when Miami started to mount a comeback. His timely shooting, including a crucial three-pointer late in the second half, gave FSU the breathing room they needed to hold onto the lead.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of FSU’s offensive display was their ball movement. The Seminoles recorded 21 assists on 28 field goals, demonstrating a commitment to unselfish play. Every player on the floor seemed to understand their role in facilitating the offense, creating open shots for one another. The chemistry on display was a testament to the growth this team has shown over the course of the season, particularly with the mixture of veterans and younger players.
Miami’s Fight Back
The Miami Hurricanes, despite struggling with FSU’s defense, never backed down. The Hurricanes fought tooth and nail throughout the game, making several runs to cut the lead to single digits in the second half. Miami’s offense, led by Wong and guard Nijel Pack, managed to claw back into the game in the final moments, forcing FSU to rely on their composure and clutch playmaking.
Wong finished the game with 20 points, but he was forced to take difficult shots and struggled to get into a rhythm. Pack, another key player for Miami, contributed 15 points, but FSU’s defense made sure that Miami’s offensive weapons were consistently under pressure.
In the final few minutes, Miami’s desperate attempts to close the gap were thwarted by FSU’s ability to control the tempo and execute down the stretch. The Seminoles, who had been prone to mistakes in previous games, showed maturity in the final stages. They hit their free throws when it mattered, with both Mills and Cleveland stepping up to secure the win.
Key Moments
The game was tightly contested throughout, but a few key moments helped FSU establish control. First, a critical 9-0 run late in the first half gave the Seminoles a comfortable lead heading into the break. This run, sparked by consecutive three-pointers from Mills and Warley, gave FSU the momentum they needed to start the second half with confidence.
In the second half, Miami began to chip away at FSU’s lead, but the Seminoles kept responding. A critical defensive stop with under two minutes to play, followed by a clutch bucket from Cleveland, put the game out of reach for the Hurricanes.
Looking Ahead
FSU’s win over Miami was a significant achievement for a team that has shown resilience throughout the season. This victory not only boosted the Seminoles’ confidence but also positioned them well within the competitive ACC standings. While the season is far from over, Florida State has proven that they can compete with the best, particularly when they are playing at their highest level.
As the team continues to progress, their defense will likely be the key to their success, but their improved offensive flow and ability to share the ball will make them a tough opponent for any team in the conference. With the ACC gauntlet ahead, FSU will need to continue building on this win and focus on maintaining their defensive intensity and offensive balance.
For Miami, this loss was a setback, but it also provided valuable lessons. The Hurricanes will need to bounce back from this defeat by tightening their defense and finding more consistency on the offensive end. With their talent and depth, Miami remains one of the top contenders in the ACC, but they will need to address their weaknesses if they want to remain a force in the conference.
