Florida State defeated Louisville, 82-67, on Monday night in Tallahassee. The Seminoles were trailing by eight at halftime but went on an 18-3 run in the second half to gain control of the top 15 matchup.
The Cardinals came out of the gates hot, quickly gaining a 6-4 lead, despite losing Malik Williams in the first two minutes due to an apparent ankle injury. Louisville continued to build on that advantage throughout the first half, as it never trailed in the first half and led by eight going into the locker room.
It appeared as if Louisville was in control of the game, as it led by as much as 12 in the second half. However, Florida State battled and managed to cut the Cardinal lead to just six with 13:21 to play. The Seminoles then kicked into second gear, going on an 18-3 run to grab a nine point lead.
Louisville cut the lead to seven, but another Florida State run late in the second half secured the big win for Leonard Hamilton’s group.
Ryan McMahon scored 15 for Louisville, including five made free throws and three triples. Trent Forest led the Seminoles, putting up 16 points, 14 coming in the second half. MJ Walker left the game for Florida State with injury in the second half but would return shortly after being examined. Five Florida State players scored double digit points in the contest.
Louisville, who is now a game out of first place in the ACC, will face Virginia Tech on Sunday. It will need losses from both Florida State and Duke in addition to wins in its two remaining games to be in contention of the ACC title. Florida State faces Clemson on Saturday, and wins in its next three games guarantees the Seminoles at least a share of the ACC regular season title.